§ 17. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for St. Albans may expect a reply to his letter about the release of premises at Sandridgebury, St. Albans, which are urgently required for educational purposes.
§ Mr. BellengerA reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 10th July.
§ Mr. DumpletonIs my right hon. Friend aware that that reply, which came after this Question was put down, was very unsatisfactory? Is he further aware that these premises are occuplied by only a few A.T.S. but, on the understanding that they would be released in June the school took a lease of these premises, and has to be out of its existing premises by September? The delay is holding up the continuance of the work of the school.
§ Mr. BellengerIn answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question, I have gathered that he was not satisfied with the answer to which I referred. In answer to the second part, I would say that even if we derequisitioned this house, which has 22 rooms, we should have to offer it to other Government Departments.
§ Mr. DumpletonIs my right hon. Friend aware that one of his officers indicated that other Government Departments have already said that they do not want the house? Can he also say when the War Office is going to realise that the war is finished and that they must not take priority over civilian needs?
§ Mr. BellengerI do my best to get these houses, large and small, derequisitioned, and have met with considerable success in that respect but we cannot get out of this house yet—it is fairly fully occupied. I could give the figures if necessary. I will, however, do my best to see that it is derequisitioned as soon as possible.