§ 53. Mr. Orbachasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the German local authority at Lemgo decided to requisition the Nuellberghof Estate which is owned by Hugenberg, with a view to turning it into a home for elderly refugees; that this proposal was sanctioned by the Military Government and that when the Military Government were approached by Hugenberg they vetoed the Lemgo local authority's action; and whether he will make a statement on this matter.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)The requisitioning of the Nüllberghof Estate was at no stage vetoed by the Military Government, but was authorised over two months ago, after appeals had been considered and necessary arrangements completed for the continued cultivation of the agricultural land. A number of elderly refugees are already installed.
§ Mr. OrbachWill the Minister agree that it was authorised after this Question had been placed on the Order Paper?
§ Mr. HyndI do not know on what date the Question was placed on the Order Paper, but the Lemgo local authority confirmed the requisitioning on 12th July, 1946, and authority was given by the Military Government at the end of July for the cultivation of 200 acres of agricultural land attached to the estate, for certain repairs to be carried out and for the disinfection of certain premises. When these matters had been carried out, requisitioning took place.