19. Lady Grantasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the requisitioning of shop premises in Scotland is causing considerable hardship; and whether he will review the administration in this connection.
§ Mr. WoodburnAll the cases submitted to me have been very carefully considered in the light of all the circumstances and of any representations made by the owners, and possession is being taken only where this is necessary to maintain essential supplies and services. These cases will be kept under review.
Lady GrantIs not the Secretary of State aware that certain premises have been requisitioned, that the tenants have gone elsewhere, and that the premises have then been de-requisitioned and sublet to somebody else? Will he, therefore, ensure that requisitioning does not take place without careful consideration in the first place?
§ Mr. WoodburnI am not aware of that. Of course a notice of intetnion to requisition is given, and the owners must be given certain time to make their repre- 1112 sentation before a final decision is taken. I can have no responsibility for what tenants do in the meantime.