HC Deb 06 May 1920 vol 128 cc2226-7
46. Mr. HOPKINS

asked the Prime Minister what Department is responsible for the delay in either returning or taking over the factory premises in Carlow Street belonging to Messrs. Cann and Company; and will he press the Department concerned to deal with the matter promptly?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. James Hope)

These premises, which were recently handed over to the Ministry of Munitions, are being used for the storage of mechanical transport spare parts. The stores have now been sold, and the purchasers are being pressed to remove them as soon as possible, with a view to clearing the premises.

Mr. HOPKINS

When may the owners of these premises expect to hear when they are to have their premises returned, or whether the Government are going to continue in them? Does the right hon. Gentleman know that these premises have been in possession of the Government ever since, I think, the beginning of 1915, and for the last 18 months the owners have been unable to get a reply from the Minister as to whether or not the Government are going to retain them?

Mr. HOPE

I will look into the matter, but I can only repeat that they have only been in the possession of the Ministry for a few weeks.