HC Deb 21 May 1910 vol 116 cc386-7
75. Mr. LLOYD

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether lie is aware that St. Mary's Hall Buildings, Shrewsbury, were taken over by his Department on 1st October, 1918, notwithstanding protest by the mayor and other residents, who anticipated inconvenience to the military, charitable, and social business of the town, as these buildings contained the only room of any size not then in the occupation of Government officials; whether he is aware that I he big room in these buildings was not used. from 1st November, 1918, till 5th May, 1919; whether, owing to no caretaker being in charge, the boilers and radiators were burst by the action of the frost in February, and will he, seeing that this large room is not required now, at once order the damage caused by his tenancy to be repaired and the buildings restored to its owners?

Sir A. MOND

I am informed that these premises were taken at the end of September last for recruiting purposes after ex haustive search, in deference to the representations of the mayor and other residents, had been made for other accommodation. The change in the military situation has been responsible for a temporary suspension of the medical services, and this, together with the breakdown which occurred in February of the heating apparatus, has been the cause of non-occupation of part of the accommodation. The heating apparatus is, I understand, now repaired, and the whole of the accommodation in use. Further inquiries are being instituted as to the possibility of arrangements being made which will enable this accommodation to be released.

Mr. LLOYD

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that these rooms were never used at all from the 1st November until the end of April, when I wrote a private letter to him, when there was. great activity shown and is he aware that, not only in this district but many other districts there is great discontent that these rooms are kept, when really it is not necessary, and it causes great discomfort and difficulty?

Sir A. MOND

I am not aware of these facts. I will have the matter further looked into.