HC Deb 14 December 1943 vol 395 cc1376-7
23 and 27. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) on whose instructions a non-commissioned officer was instructed to interrogate the maidservants at a block of flats, the name of which has been given him, for the purpose of inquiring what tradesmen and what other persons visited the resident;

(2) what labour, civilian and military, has been employed for the purposes of reconditioning them during each of the weeks since his Department requisitioned the flats, the address of which has been furnished to him?

Sir J. Grigg

The order to obtain this information was issued by the competent military authority. I have personally satisfied myself that it was necessary for military reasons to obtain it and also to carry out certain work at these premises.

Sir H. Williams

Since the work has not yet been carried out and since the right hon. Gentleman's Department has been in possession of the premises for seven weeks, is it not about time that his Department became a little more efficient?

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. Member knows a great deal, but he does not know everything about this matter.

Sir H. Williams

As I took the precaution to examine one of these flats this morning and found that no proper work had been clone, that it was in a filthy condition and not provided with blackout material, what is the use of saying that I do not know all about it?

Sir J. Grigg

I am quite fair to the hon. Member in saying that he does not know all about it, and I am extremely anxious that he should not.