HC Deb 06 November 1945 vol 415 cc1060-1
6. Sir Harold Webbe

asked the Minister of Works how many flats at the address in Westminster, of which he has been in formed, are now under requisition; whether they are still occupied or how long they have been unoccupied; and how soon it is proposed they should be made available for residential purposes.

Mr. Tomlinson

Six flats are held on requisition at the address in question. They have been vacant since the end of August and arrangements had been made to reoccupy them immediately. Efforts will be made to house the proposed occupants elsewhere and if this can be done the flats will be derequisitioned as quickly as possible.

Sir H. Webbe

For what purpose is it proposed to reoccupy these flats which are so urgently required for residential purposes?

Mr. Tomlinson

It is to make room for a move which is taking place on the part of another Government Department.

Sir H. Webbe

Is this a case of "general post," one Department moving into the room occupied by another, and shall we ever get rid of any of them?

Mr. Tomlinson

While I appreciate the desire to remove Government Departments, while they are in existence they have to be housed somewhere.