§ 2. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many dwellings have been requisitioned during the month of November in the Hohenzollerndamm in Berlin; how many Germans have been displaced; what number of British personnel are going to occupy the vacated houses; and whether he will arrange for such houses to be shared with the German families rather than occupied solely by the British.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)One building comprising eight small apartments occupied by 21 Germans was requisitioned in November. Sixteen British are expected to occupy the vacated accommodation. 1136 The possibility of sharing large houses with Germans is already being examined in conjunction with the Army authorities.
§ Mr. StokesCan my hon. Friend say when some decision will be taken on the policy of sharing as a principle?
§ 3. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that a British officer with his wife and one child are now living at 38, Verdenerstrasse, Rotenburg, near Hanover, in accommodation comprising eight rooms, two kitchens and other offices; that the previous occupiers were a couple aged 65 and 60 years, both of them anti-Nazis, one of whom has spent eight weeks in prison under the Hitler regime, and others occupied the top fiat; that efforts are now being made to bring pressure to bear on the owner to dispose of his furniture against his will; and if he will take steps to see that the accommodation is shared between the previous occupiers of the house and the military, instead of being commandeered in this fashion.
§ Mr. J. HyndMy preliminary inquiries confirm the information indicated in the Question. I am looking into the case further, and will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have done so.
§ Mr. StokesMeanwhile, will my hon. Friend give instructions that this sort of expulsion is not to take place?
§ Mr. HyndI am afraid I could not give any general instruction on that basis, but I am inquiring into this particular case