35. Colonel Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for War how many houses and factories have been derequisitioned by his Department in the last year; and how many of each still remain requisitioned together with their covered floor space.
§ Mr. HeadNineteen houses and three factories were derequisitioned in the year ending 30th September, 1952. One hundred and thirteen houses, 13 flats and nine factories are still held on requisition by my Department. The total floor space of the factories is 467,551 sq. ft. Details of the floor space of the houses are not readily available.
Colonel HarrisonIs my right hon. Friend perfectly satisfied that this requisitioned property is still being usefully employed by the Army, and, if not, will he take further steps to derequisition some of it?
§ Mr. HeadWith regard to the factories, which I think represent the major question involved, it is our intention to purchase six of them and eventually to release the remaining three. As regards the houses, the number is not very large, and I do not think that in most cases we have acted improperly or against the wishes of the owners.