21. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the Militia Depot at Alnwick has been standing empty for some years and, although the question of allowing these premises to be utilised by the local authority for housing purposes has been under the consideration of his Department for over 12 months, they are still withheld from occupation; and, in view of the urgent need of additional civilian housing accommodation in that district, will he expedite the release of these premises for that purpose?
§ Mr. LAWSONThese barracks are no longer required for military purposes, and I am already in negotiation with the landlord, the Northumberland County Council, with a view to the termination of the lease on which the property is at present held. Pending such termination, I regret that the covenants of the lease preclude me from handing over the property to the local authority without the consent of the landlord. Everything possible will be done to expedite release of the premises.