§ 20. Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the premises of a firm which has been communicated to him, engaged upon the repair of essential road transport vehicles and scheduled under the Essential Work Order, were requisitioned by the Ministry of Works and Buildings with the consent of his Department and have since been used for the storage of hardware and crockery and that the alternative premises, now occupied by the dispossessed firm, consist of an open builder's yard, in which essential repair work is being carried on under unsuitable conditions; and whether he will give an assurance that such premises will not be requisitioned unless for work of higher priority?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe Ministry of Works and Buildings desired to requisition these 1978 premises on behalf of the Ministry of Health, for the storage of medical supplies and equipment. Before requisition took place, the local vehicle examiner examined the premises of the firm, who are dealers in second-hand private cars. He came to the conclusion that there was not enough essential repair work being done to justify refusal to requisition. Efforts have been made to find alternative accommodation, but so far, to my regret, they have been without success. I am happy to give my hon. Friend the assurance for which he asks in the last part of his Question.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is satisfied that the Regional Commissioner was competent to give advice in this case? Here is a glaring case of inefficiency.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWith respect, I think that if the hon. Member will look into the case on the spot, he will find that there was not at all a strong case.