§ 12. Mr. Frank Byersasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the headquarters of the Conservative Party and the headquarters of the Labour Party in the Chippenham Division have both been released from requisitioning for several years; and if he will now release the Liberal headquarters, in Chippenham, in order to avoid further penalisation of one political party.
§ Mr. KeyOther accommodation for the Chippenham food office has now been found. It will take some months to prepare the premises for occupation, but as soon as they are ready the Liberal hall will be given up.
§ Mr. ByersI am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will not expect me to be very happy about that reply. Is he aware that this delay has been going on for more than two and a half years? Will he not consider doing something to free this hall so that the Liberals can go forward with their activities during this Summer?
§ Mr. KeyI will do all I can to ensure that the hall is liberated as soon as possible. I quite understand the immense national importance of the activities there carried on.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteWill the hall be large enough to hold the two Members of the Liberal Party?
§ Mr. ByersIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that his sarcastic answer will show that the Labour Party are prepared to penalise one political party at the expense of others.
§ Mr. KeyThe Minister's sarcastic answer does not deserve the same kind of reproof as do the terms of the Question, which was put to him:
in order to avoid further penalisation of one political party.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreIn order that the House may follow the hon. Gentleman's argument, can he say to what purpose it is proposed to put these premises when they are freed?