HC Deb 05 May 1947 vol 437 c4
7. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Minister of Works in what circumstances his Department requisition domestic dwellings and flats for use as offices when the local authority represent to him that the premises which he proposes to requisition are urgently required for homeless people.

Mr. Key

It is not the practice of my Department in the circumstances described to requisition domestic dwellings and flats for use as offices, but certain residential property requisitioned for other purposes is being retained for office use by agreement with the Ministry of Health.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Will the Minister give an assurance that housing accommodation will be first priority, instead of the housing of his staff?

Mr. Key

As far as the release of requisitioned property is concerned, we are already giving first priority to the derequisitioning of housing accommodation.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Will the Minister, when these residences are not required further for specific office purposes, see they are used as domestic dwellings, and not handed on to another Department?

Mr. Key

That must depend on the circumstances, but so far as premises consisting of less than 12 rooms are concerned, that is the practice at the present moment.