HC Deb 21 August 1945 vol 413 c430
17. Flight-Lieutenant Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for War, how many requisitioned houses the Army has relinquished in the boroughs of Brighton and Hove since VE-Day.

Mr. Lawson

Seventy-four houses and flats in the two boroughs have been relinquished by the Army since VE-Day. It will be appreciated that some of these properties may be retained by the Ministry of Health for housing purposes.

Flight-Lieutenant Teeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware what a small percentage that is of the number of houses that are empty and unused, but are still held by the War Office?

Mr. Lawson

I naturally sympathise deeply with those people whose properties are held, and I will take all the steps I can to get them evacuated as soon as possible. We have, however, a considerable number of Dominion troops in this country who are here for purposes of demobilisation, and that has to be taken into consideration in some of these areas.