§ 22. Sir William Davisonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction on the part of the public as to the existing procedure for requisitioning premises at short notice by various Government Departments independently, as well as by local authorities; and whether he will consider the setting up of a single body to deal with requisitioning?
§ Mr. AttleeThe Ministry of Works and Buildings does in fact to a considerable extent requisition accommodation for the use of other Departments. It would not, however, be practicable so to centralise the power to requisition as to deprive of that power the competent authorities specified in Defence Regulation 49. It has also proved essential to give delegated powers of requisitioning to local authorities in order that they may discharge efficiently and with dispatch their vital war-time duties.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs my right hon. Friend aware of the different procedure which is adopted by various bodies? Many of them order evacuation at a few days' notice, when it is quite impossible for the unfortunate persons to obtain either another residence or other business premises. When they' ask the authorities where they shall go, they are told to find accommodation themselves, because it is none of the authorities' business. Is not this very regrettable?
§ Mr. AttleeIf the hon. Gentleman knows of any instance of that kind, perhaps he will bring it to the attention of the appropriate Minister.