§ 10. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether, in view of the present housing shortage in Lancaster, he will reconsider his refusal to allow the use of the premises in Regent Street, Lancaster, lately vacated by the district nurses, as a home for elderly people or for other housing purposes.
§ Mr. DaltonThese premises belong to the Lancashire County Council and are used for a variety of purposes, including the housing of some of the council's staff. The county council appealed to me against the refusal of the Lancaster City Council to agree to their proposals for the use of the premises. After considering all the evidence, I allowed the appeal.
§ Mr. MacleanIs the Minister aware that these premises contained 16 bedrooms fitted with hot and cold water, and that they are ideally suited to be a home for old people? Is he aware that the decision to turn them into Government offices with accommodation for only three caretakers, I believe, has caused great indignation locally?
§ Mr. DaltonIt is a question of a difference of opinion between two local authorities, and I have to do my best to come to a right decision in the matter. I am told that the number of persons housed is much the same as it would have been if Lancashire County Council had used the premises otherwise. That is what I am informed.