HC Deb 06 May 1947 vol 437 cc191-2
18. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that 45 Manor Place, Edinburgh, was purchased two years ago by its present owner for the accommodation of the nurses and staff of her nursing home at 49 Manor Place, he will arrange with the Ministry of Works for its immediate derequisitioning.

Mr. Westwood

As I have already explained to the hon. and gallant Member, I appreciate the difficulties of the owner's position, and while it is not possible at present to release the house, which is still urgently required for office purposes, I have arranged that it will be one of the first to be released by the Ministry of Works when the new office accommodation for Government Departments in Edinburgh is ready.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate when the Government Departments are likely to start occupying, these offices?

Mr. Westwood

I am sorry, but I am not in a position to give a date when they will be ready, but as soon as we have got the temporary accommodation it will enable us to deal not only with this problem but with several other housing problems.