asked the Secretary of State for War (1) when it is hoped to place a tenant in the vacant property belonging to the War Office, known as No. 188, Dorset Road, Merton, S.W.19;

(2) what steps have been taken to make War Office property known as 186, Dorset Road, Merton, S.W.19, fit for habitation; and when these steps were first taken;

(3) if he will make Nos. 186 and 188, Dorset Road, Merton, S.W.19, available for use by the local authority as soon as his Department are satisfied that they are unable to place tenants in these properties.

Both these houses are required for occupation by military tenants and will not therefore be available for use by the local authority. No. 188 is already occupied by a warrant officer and his family, and No. 186 will be occupied as soon as it has been repaired.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that it is unfortunate that these buildings should remain empty when there is such a need for housing accommodation?

Of course, it would be unfortunate if they were left empty for any period of time, but so far as I know that is not the case.