HC Deb 30 October 1946 vol 428 cc610-1
48. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people have already been moved from their homes in Hamburg in order to provide for the Hamburg project and where accommodation, at least as suitable as that which they have left, has been found for them.

Mr. J. Hynd

As I informed my hon. Friend a week ago, some 500 persons have been moved from war damaged houses which were to be demolished. We have arranged for these people to share accommodation with other Germans temporarily until they can be accommodated in other houses and buildings which are at present being repaired.

Mr. Stokes

Am I to understand that nobody has been removed from any house except war damaged houses, and, further, does the Minister mean to imply that no further removals will take place until the end of 1947, in view of the suspension of the Hamburg project?

Mr. Hynd

No, Sir. I cannot give the latter assurance because the removals to which I have referred—the 500 from the damaged houses—concern the only persons who have been removed in connection with the Hamburg project. The removals have been due to the fact that the project involved the building of a large block of flats in the centre of the town, on the site of which there are a number of damaged houses which have to be removed. The persons living in them at present have to be found accommodation elsewhere whilst the scheme is proceeding.

Mr. Stokes

Will my hon. Friend give me an answer to the latter part of my Question? Where is accommodation, at least as suitable as that which they have left, being found for them?

Mr. Hynd

It is being found in other suitable existing German houses and buildings. The fact that we have had to move staff to Germany has made it necessary that we should ask the Germans to move up a little and make room.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Minister accompany me to Hamburg so that I can show him the conditions?