§ 36. Mr. MITCHESONasked the Minister of Agriculture how many flats are unoccupied at the moment in The new blocks built by the Crown authorities in Cumberland Market, in the borough of St. Pancras; and for what reasons these are allowed to remain unoccupied whilst applicants are being turned away?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)Of the 246 flats already provided in the new buildings in course of erection on the Crown Estate at Cumberland Market eight are at present unoccupied. The purpose of this building scheme is to rehouse the tenants on the estate in order that the whole property may be rebuilt, and it is not possible to admit tenants from off the estate to the new flats without wrecking the scheme. It is necessary, in arranging for removals, to study the convenience of tenants, and this results in some unavoidable delay from time to time.
§ 37. Mr. MITCHESONasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there are not less than 258 rooms vacant on Crown property in Stanhope Street, Albany Street, and district, in the borough of St. Pancras; and whether, as there are over 1,000 people occupying underground rooms in that borough and at least that number searching for accommodation, he will take steps to enable the premises to be tenanted with the least possible delay?
§ Major ELLIOTApart from rooms in houses required for early demolition, and in basements which are unfit for residential use, about 200 rooms are at present vacant on this estate. These rooms will be used, under arrangements which are now in progress, partly for accommodation of families which are over- 1962 crowded in their present quarters, and partly for the transfer of tenants occupying premises which will be required for demolition and rebuilding in the near future. If, after these requirements are met, any rooms remain available, applications from new tenants will be considered.
§ Mr. MITCHESONWill the right hon. Gentleman say when these rooms will be used; and will he bear in mind that the premises have been empty for nearly two years?
§ Major ELLIOTI am afraid I could not give a date across the Floor of the House.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman consider co-operating with the London County Council and the borough council and having a mutual arrangement in regard to such flats, so that the bodies concerned could assist each other, and not waste accommodation?
§ Major ELLIOTI shall certainly consider any communication from the local authorities.
§ Mr. MITCHESONIf the premises are not to be altered or renovated or taken down for 12 months, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making use of them in the meantime?
§ Major ELLIOTI would require to look into that matter very closely.