§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the acute housing shortage in Barking and other areas round London; that the restrictions on the right of a local authority to requisition properties under Ministry of Health Circular 2845, even though recently relaxed slightly, impede effective action in many cases; and whether he will give local authorities the same rights of requisitioning for all rehousing purposes as they have far rehousing the bombed out.
§ Mr. WillinkThe reply to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The reply to the second and third parts is that I do not consider that I should be justified in depriving the owner or tenant of the opportunity of letting or reoccupying which is secured by Circular 2845, but if my hon. Friend is aware of difficulties which have arisen in regard to other aspects of the procedure I shall be glad to look into them.