HC Deb 10 March 1947 vol 434 c929
9. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Works why the premises of John Hall & Sons, 11/13, Wolstenholme Street, Liverpool, have not yet been released, although a definite promise that they would be released by 31st December, 1946, was given to the hon. Member for Exchange Division, Liverpool.

Mr. Key

The premises of John Hall & Sons at 11/13, Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, now used by the Customs and Excise Department as a King's warehouse, will be released as soon as fresh premises can be prepared for use. This work will be pressed on with all speed, but it is not yet possible to say when the Wolstenholme Square premises will be vacated. I regret that it was not possible to release them by 31st December last, as had been hoped, but exceptional difficulty has been experienced in finding other premises available and suited to the Customs' work.

Mrs. Braddock

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it was more than a hope that was expressed in relation to the derequisitioning of these premises, and that I was given, before Christmas, a definite date when the premises would be released? Is he aware that this sort of thing causes great difficulty to people who are trying to re-establish their business?

Mr. Key

I fully appreciate that, and every endeavour is being made to expedite the work of adaptation at the premises which we have now been able to obtain.