HC Deb 04 August 1947 vol 441 cc961-2
12. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Works how many hotels, large houses and flats, respectively, in the United Kingdom are at present requisitioned by the Government for any other use than dwelling accommodation; and how many of each category have been released for use as dwelling accommodation since 7th February, 1946.

Mr. Key

The number of hotels held by all Departments at 30th June last, for use other than as family dwellings, was 278, and the number of large houses and flats held by Departments, other than the Health Departments, on the same basis, was 2,257, and 1,546 respectively. One thousand, four hundred and seventy-five hotels, 3,967 large houses and 2,612 flats have been released since 1st February, 1946, including 93 flats and 193 large houses, and a limited number of hotels which have been transferred to the Ministry of Health for dwelling purposes.

Mr. Beechman

Is the Minister aware that there are some evacuees—I mean from the last war—in the hotels who want to get home again, and will he do something about that?

Mr. Key

We are doing our best to meet such cases, but we have other very urgent demands upon us.

13. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Works how many hotels, large houses, small houses and flats, respectively, in the London civil defence region, are at present, requisitioned by the Government for other use than dwelling accommodation; and how many of each category have been released for use as dwelling accommodation since 21st April, 1947.

Mr. Key

Government Departments held on requisition in the London Civil Defence Region at the 30th June last, 829 large houses, 367 small houses, and 1,431 flats for purposes other than family dwellings. The number of each category released since 1st April, 1947, was six hotels, 21 large houses, 10 small houses and 64 flats. In addition, requisitioning Departments have transferred to the Ministry of Health five hotels, 17 large houses, and 13 small houses for housing purposes. The Ministry of Health have released 588 small houses and 159 flats to their owners.

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