HC Deb 23 November 1949 vol 470 c335
10. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for Air, in view of the fact that No. 77, Hallam Street, W.1, is now no longer used by his Department, if he will take steps to have this property derequisitioned in consideration of the urgent need for housing accommodation in St. Marylebone.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Geoffrey de Freitas)

These premises are being used by my Department. They house the main London Centre for recruiting and training the Volunteer Reserve.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is the Minister aware that there is considerable indignation in my constituency at the fact that these premises appear to be empty, in view of the very grave shortages in St. Marylebone? My constituents feel that these premises ought to be made available for housing and certainly ought not to be left empty.

Mr. de Freitas

They were unoccupied for a short time while they were being redecorated and refurnished. There will very soon be an opening ceremony to which the hon. Gentleman will be invited.

Mr. Platts-Mills

May I call attention to the fact that in that constituency there are a great number of enormous houses either empty or only partly used, which the Tory council has sedulously refrained from requisitioning?