§ 32. Mr. Lipsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, how many houses and other buildings have been requisitioned or a lien taken on them in Cheltenham without being used; and what is the total annual sum that is being paid in rent by his Department for buildings in Cheltenham which they are not using?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)Two requisitioned and two leased houses so far have not been used, but they have been placed at the disposal of other Departments. In addition, 22 rented houses and 16 houses occupied, but available on a retaining fee basis, are held for various purposes. The total annual rents amount to £7,570.
§ Mr. LipsonWill my hon. Friend bear in mind the very great shortage of housing and hotel accommodation in Cheltenham, and will he undertake that as soon as circumstances warrant as many will be released as possible?