HC Deb 01 July 1943 vol 390 cc1766-7
28. Major Sir Edward Cadogan

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a certain property, of which he has been informed, was represented to have been requisitioned for an isolation hospital by the county authority on Government instruction when in reality the property was taken from the owner by the county authority without Government sanction or any apparent knowledge of the matter, the property being entirely used for the county authority's own purpose; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. E. Brown

I have been in correspondence with my hon. and gallant Friend on the case to which he is referring and have already offered the services of the Ministry to assist in negotiating an agreement between the owner of the property and the local authority concerned. To this offer I have received no reply at the moment from the owner of the property.

Sir E. Cadogan

Did the Department come in as soon as the local authority requisitioned the premises?

Mr. Brown

I think there is a misunderstanding. The house was originally requisitioned by the rural district council for an isolation hospital. That was in order. Later it was not found necessary and it was then de-requisitioned. The Merioneth County Council then wanted it for their own purposes of which we approved. The County Council, as I understand it, applied to the owner for ordinary free tenancy agreement, but he thought the 'house was re-requisitioned; that is not so. What is wanted now is an agreement. I will do my best to help the matter through.