BRITAIN’S ‘SQUATTING’ PROBLEM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 267, 23 August 1946, Page 3

BRITAIN’S ‘SQUATTING’ PROBLEM

OFFICIAL COMMITTEE APPOINTED (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, Aug. 22. In order to control the squatting movement which is spreading throughout the country and to ensure that disused service camps are usefully employed, the Government lias set up a committee with the Home Secretary,! Mr Chuter Ede , as chairman. Many camps which have been wholly or partially occupied by homeless families were intended by the Government for special purposes, such as resettlement and training centres and teachers’ emergency training schools. As these are regarded as matters of high priority it has been decided that such camps must be evacuated by the squatters. Some camps are also intended for use for war prisoners and Poles from General Anders’ army when brought to Britain, but efforts are now to be made to find alternative accommodation for Poles and prisoners. The Government feels that some departments have been dilatory in taking over the camps allocated to them for specific purposes, and instructions have been issued that no further delay will he permitted. Immediate discussions will also be held with local authorities to ascertain whether they are able to make the camps habitable and provide essential health services. In cases where it is necessary to evict squatters, notice will be given and the authorities have been instructed to deal with the situation as tactfully as possible. Official measures will be taken to prevent further unauthorised occupation of camps by squatters.