109. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the Prison Commissioners have served one month's notice to quit on the occupiers of nine houses in St. Martin's Terrace, Canterbury, accompanied by a threat of legal proceedings in event of failure to vacate; that many of the tenants have lived in these houses for a long period and were given no previous warning to seek other accommodation; that nearly 2,000 persons are on the waiting list for houses in the city of Canterbury; and whether, in the light of these facts, he will cause the notices to quit to be held in abeyance until the housing situation in the city improves.
§ Mr. EdeThe nine houses in question, which are held on weekly tenancies and are not subject to the Rent Restriction Acts, are prison officers' quarters. In consequence of the reopening of Canterbury Prison as a civil prison they are urgently required to accommodate prison staff and the Prison Commissioners therefore felt obliged to give on the 20th September, notice of one month to the occupiers. The Commissioners fully appreciate the seriousness of the housing position in Canterbury, but it is essential that accommodation should be found for the prison staff. They have informed the city council that they would be glad to discuss with representatives of the council the question whether any alternative arrangements can be made which will secure the necessary accommodation for their officers.