HC Deb 09 November 1944 vol 404 cc1544-5W
Major Kimball

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many householders who have had official evacuees billeted on them for long periods have found that the billeting allowance does not cover the wear and tear on household furniture, linen and utensils; and will he consider the payment of a supplementary allowance based upon the number of evacuees and the total period of billeting during the past five years to enable such householders to re-equip their houses.

Mr. Willink

Wear and tear on household equipment has always been taken into account in fixing the rate of billeting allowances under the Government Evacuation Scheme, which, in the case of unaccompanied children who are billeted for both board and lodging, have been raised several times since the beginning of the war. In the circumstances I am unable to adopt the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.