HC Deb 13 March 1945 vol 409 cc11-3
25. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the branch of his Department which deals with the requisitioning of houses, public halls and buildings throughout the country is now adequately staffed; and if he will, in so far as is compatible with military requirements, make an endeavour to expedite the release of these properties, in view of the overwhelming demand for accommodation by the public.

Sir J. Griģģ

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is, "Yes, Sir." The second is a very fair statement of the War Office policy.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in spite of his answer, there really is a very widespread public feeling that many buildings have remained unoccupied for a long time and might now be released?

Sir J. Griģģ

I am perfectly well aware of the feeling, but unfortunately there are future liabilities which have to be cared for. However, I assure my hon. Friend that this matter of the large number of requisitioned properties constantly engages my personal attention, and I will certainly go into it very thoroughly. But there is bound to be a great deal of conflict between the needs of our returning soldiers, either on the release plan or as returning prisoners of war, and the desire of property owners to have their property released. I will try to reduce that conflict to the narrowest possible limit.

Mr. De la, Bère

Will my right hon. Friend help me about a case at Evesham?

Sir J. Griģģ

I have heard about that case, and, quite frankly, I think that there are a lot more deserving ones.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the needs of educational establishments, especially in Kent?

Sir J. Griģģ

Yes, Sir; I will put the needs of educational establishments second only to those for small dwelling houses.

30. Major Studholme

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that large areas of agricultural and common land requisitioned far training are no longer required for that purpose, what steps he is taking to have as much of such land as possible derequisitioned at the earliest moment.

Sir J. Griģģ

As soon as it is clear that land will not be needed for training it is given up, and over 4,000,000 acres have recently been returned to their original use. This figure includes land requisitioned under Defence Regulation 51, and land over which training rights were acquired under Defence Regulation 52. Some areas still retained are perhaps not being used at the moment, but it is expected that they will be needed later.

Major Studholme

Will my right hon. Friend give instructions that every effort shall be made to avoid damage by tanks to any trees, as has happened at Thursley Common?

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

Is it not the fact that the War Office are not making up their mind because heavy payments are due for damage to requisitioned land, and they are not prepared to face up to the decision?

Sir J. Griģģ

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that question down. It is a new one on me.

33. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War how many dwelling-houses are 'held by his Department unoccupied in the local authority areas of Longbenton, Gosforth and Wallsend-on-Tyue.

Sir J. Griģģ

As far as I have been able to find out since my hon. Friend put down her Question, there are three.

Miss Ward

Under the three local authorities?

Sir J. Griģģ

That is the idea, yes.