§ 30. Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what 1371 arrangements are being made for the release of surplus N.F.S. buildings, materials, equipment, etc.
§ Mr. EdeIt is the general practice to give up possession of National Fire Service buildings when they are no longer wanted for service or other Governmental purposes. As regards surplus materials and equipment, local authorities have been allowed to acquire what they wanted, and the rest is being dealt with under the procedure for disposing of surplus Government stores set out in the White Paper of July, 1944. Large numbers of surplus vehicles have also been sold by public auction.
§ Mr. LipsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether surplus N.F.S. buildings will be offered to local authorities for temporary housing accommodation?
§ Mr. EdeIt will all depend upon the original ownership of the buildings. If the building was a local authority building, it goes back; but if it belongs to a private individual, it may very well be that he has first claim to it.
§ Mr. LipsonI am referring to buildings built for the N.F.S. and taken over.
§ Mr. EdeIf they are reported as redundant I hope they will, in the majority of cases, go to local authorities.