§ 39. Sir Herbert Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War why it was regarded as necessary under a requisitioning order to force the tenants of a flat, the address of which he has been furnished, to leave that flat on 10th November to the great discomfort of the elderly people concerned, having regard to the fact that 23 days later on 3rd December no useful occupation of the flat had taken place by his Department; and why for the last four weeks dozens of other flats in the same block have not been usefully occupied by his Department?
§ Sir J. GriggI have personally satisfied myself that it was necessary for military reasons to requisition the flats in question. Wherever possible empty flats were taken, but the requisitioning of four occupied flats proved to be unavoidable. The flats were not suitable for the purpose for which they were needed until certain alterations had been made. That is why the previous tenants had to leave when they did and why the flats were not at once re-occupied.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that six weeks have gone by, and that the bulk of the flats are still in a filthy condition and have not been washed or scrubbed out or made available for anyone's occupation? Why was the Department so incompetent in handling a simple job like this? May I have an answer?
§ Sir J. GriggThe answer is that the allegation is untrue.
§ Sir H. WilliamsHaving regard to the fact that I was in the flats yesterday, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement that he has now made is untrue?
§ Sir J. GriggI meant the allegation that the Department is incompetent. I will inquire into the reason for this alleged incompetence and shall then be prepared to give an explanation.