§ 1. Mr. J. H. Hareasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when he intends to release accommodation requisitioned at Broadwater Gardens, Shotley, Suffolk, which is required for civilian housing purposes.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)As I recently informed the hon. Member in correspondence, I regret that I can hold out no hope of de-requisitioning this property.
§ Mr. HareIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are 41 families in this particular village on the council's waiting list for new housing accommodation and the retention of this building is denying accommodation to 28 families?
§ Mr. Edgar GranvilleFor what purpose is this accommodation being held? Is there any alternative accommodation in the same area by the use of which this accommodation could be released?
§ Mr. EdwardsI am not aware of the number of families on the waiting list for housing accommodation. These premises are occupied by W.R.N.S., for whom we cannot find alternative accommodation in the district.
§ Mr. HareCan the hon. Gentleman give no hope at all that this housing accommodation, which is civilian and has been requisitioned by the Admiralty, will not be released in the next year, or in two years? Has he no plans at all?
§ Mr. EdwardsI cannot give any hope of early release, even in two years. The fact is that it has never been used for housing by civilian people, and it is essential for the accommodation of the W.R.N.S. Until we can find better accommodation, or similar accommodation, for the W.R.N.S., we cannot de-requisition it.
§ Mr. HareOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall try to raise the matter again at the earliest opportunity.