HC Deb 12 June 1945 vol 411 cc1445-6
21. Mr. Glanville

asked the Secretary of State for War when he intends to issue instructions for the derequisitioning of meeting halls and dwelling houses in the Consett district, in view of the fact that these have not been used by the military authorities for some considerable time and in view of the dearth of houses and social amenities for the people in that district.

Sir J. Griģģ

I am making a statement about these matters in general after Questions. These particular properties are no longer needed by the Army and will be released shortly.

Mr. Spearman

asked the Secretary of State for War why most of the Scarborough hotels released by the Air Ministry were compulsorily taken over by his Department but Mr. Butlin was able to get possession of his camp near Filey; and if he will consider requisitioning this camp and releasing some of the hotels which are necessary to the prosperity of neighbouring towns.

Sir J. Griģģ

A number of hotels and boarding houses have been released in Scarborough, but some accommodation must be retained there for the Army. After local consultation it was decided to retain a few large hotels. Where the choice lies between hotels and holiday camps it is, I agree, arguable which should be released first, but I am certainly not prepared to say that the wrong decision was taken in this case.

Mr. Spearman

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in the case of retaining hotels instead of a camp, the hardship is not only on the hotel proprietors but on the seaside town as a whole, which is dependent on visitors for its prosperity?

Sir J. Griģģ

I should have thought that the same argument would apply to holiday camps.