HC Deb 09 December 1948 vol 459 cc75-6W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the reference to the circular issued to local authorities in which advice was given that legal action to obtain possession of requisitioned premises should not be taken without the authority of his Department; and, as this limitation of freedom of action by rural district councils and others in regard to adjusting housing matters within their districts is not in the best interests of the public, what was the reason for issuing such instructions.

Mr. Bevan

It is within the discretion of the local authorities to take proceedings to recover the possession of requisitioned property. Circular 2747, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member makes this clear. For technical reasons, however, it is my practice to issue, on request, a formal authorisation to enable the local authority to commence proceedings in its own name in a particular case.