41. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the old Militia depot at Alnwick has been standing empty for some years; and, as several families could be housed there, will he, in view of the shortage of housing accommodation in that district, arrange with the War Office for these premises to be at once utilised for housing purposes?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Lieut.-Colonel Guinness)I have been asked to reply. The question of the possibility of disposing of these barracks has already been taken up.
Mr. THOMSONDo the Government consider that they are setting a good example to private owners of property in withholding from occupation empty property, as in the present case?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThere is no question of withholding empty property, as the hon. Member would know if he had listened to the answer to the question, but obviously we could not dispose of this property until we were satisfied that it was not wanted in the public interest?
Mr. THOMSONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these buildings have been empty for a considerable time?