Requisitioned Dwellings (Use)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Works – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 5 Mai 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Norman Hulbert Sir Norman Hulbert , Stockport 12:00, 5 Mai 1947

asked the Minister of Works in what circumstances his Department requisition domestic dwellings and flats for use as offices when the local authority represent to him that the premises which he proposes to requisition are urgently required for homeless people.

Photo of Mr Charles Key Mr Charles Key , Poplar Bow and Bromley

It is not the practice of my Department in the circumstances described to requisition domestic dwellings and flats for use as offices, but certain residential property requisitioned for other purposes is being retained for office use by agreement with the Ministry of Health.

Photo of Sir Norman Hulbert Sir Norman Hulbert , Stockport

Will the Minister give an assurance that housing accommodation will be first priority, instead of the housing of his staff?

Photo of Mr Charles Key Mr Charles Key , Poplar Bow and Bromley

As far as the release of requisitioned property is concerned, we are already giving first priority to the derequisitioning of housing accommodation.

Photo of Sir Norman Hulbert Sir Norman Hulbert , Stockport

Will the Minister, when these residences are not required further for specific office purposes, see they are used as domestic dwellings, and not handed on to another Department?

Photo of Mr Charles Key Mr Charles Key , Poplar Bow and Bromley

That must depend on the circumstances, but so far as premises consisting of less than 12 rooms are concerned, that is the practice at the present moment.