HC Deb 13 December 1944 vol 406 c1215
19. Commander King-Hall

asked the Minister of Works whether he has any further statement to make concerning the release by his Department of the 253 small flats, each with a kitchen and bathroom, of the location of which he has been informed by letter.

Mr. Sandys

Some 80 of these flats have been released for the housing of bombed-out families. The remainder cannot be released as they are occupied as offices by Government staffs for whom suitable alternative accommodation is not at present available.

Commander King-Hall

What use is being made of the 170 small bathrooms and kitchens by these Government servants? In view of the shortage of accommodation, is it not a great waste to have all these small flats used in this way?

Mr. Sandys

Many of these kitchens are being used for filing and stores. I agree that this is not an ideal way of using these flats, particularly since they are very suitable for bombed-out families. I am looking into the question of alternative accommodation.