HC Deb 22 August 1945 vol 413 cc617-8
72. Lieut.-Colonel Lindsay

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the shortage of parish halls and similar community accommodation, and if he will instruct the service ministries not to dispose of W.D. buildings without local residents and associations first being given an opportunity to acquire them.

Mr. Tomlinson

Buildings and huts surplus to the needs of Government Departments are disposed of by the Ministry of Works on the advice, where appropriate, of the Department concerned. I will certainly try to make them available for parish halls and similar community accommodation, in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, who is responsible for recommending sales in such cases.