BILLETING IN BRITAIN

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 13, 22 September 1939, Page 50

BILLETING IN BRITAIN

Appeal Tribunals Set Up

PPEAL tribunals are being set up in billeting areas in Britain \o which householders " aggrieved by billeting requirements" can put their case. Each tribunal will consist of three members, one a woman, and _ local authorities are asked to draw up lists. The standard of one person to a habitable room will not normally be exceeded, but it is conceivable that it might be necessary to go above this standard as a temporary measure in some particular district. It is emphasised that billeting officers must be carefully selected "as persons of tact, common sense, and judgment." Private Arrangements Private arrangements to receive persons in the priority classes will in the assessment of accommodation be counted as though they had been billeted under the Government scheme. In the consideration of private arrangements generally, local authorities are advised to

give preference to arrangements to re ceive relations or friends, particularly those of advanced years or invalids. Handicapped Children Special arrangements have been made for the reception of handicapped children and nursery schools in large houses, camps, and other suitable buildings which cam be run as residential homes. Many owners of large houses haye already offered their premises for th@s@ groups, and the Minister is prepared Ko consider the sanctioning of expenditure on work which must be carried out in advance. Expectant Mothers Medical officers of health are to advise on the special medical considerations in provision for expectant mothers. Evacuating authorities are asked to see that adequate numbers of midwives are sent with expectant mothers from the evacuable areas. Honorary obstetric consultants have been appointed for seven regions in England and Wales.