§ 15. Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Works whether, since nearly four years have passed since V.E. day, he will issue a directive to the effect that when any house or property is de-requisitioned it should no longer first be offered to other Departments but released direct to the owner.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. Key)Requisitioned premises are now released direct to the owner with the following exceptions; small houses and flats are still notified to the Ministry of Health in connection with housing requirements; and large houses, shops and sites are notified to Government Departments generally, in case their use would free other premises which it was more important to release. This procedure is reviewed periodically and it is the intention to relax it further as the supply of accommodation improves. Ninety-two per cent. of all types of requisitioned premises have now been released.
§ Mr. DonnerIs it really necessary to continue with this particular system in view of the anxiety caused to people whose homes have been requisitioned, and who do not know what Department is going to take over their homes, what sort of treatment their homes will be subjected to, and what will happen to their compensation claims?
§ Mr. KeyThese must be very large houses indeed, because it is only small houses which are notified to the Ministry of Health for housing purposes.
§ Mr. DonnerIt is the principle that is involved.