§ 3. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Works what plans he has in mind for a general de-requisitioning of privately owned buildings still occupied by Government Departments, particularly in the town of Ayr.
§ Mr. EcclesSpecial efforts are being made by all Government Departments to economise in the use of accommodation in order to release more requisitioned premises. In the town of Ayr there are only two private houses now held on requisition but, owing to the ban on new office building, a scheme which would have ensured their release has had to be abandoned. I shall continue my efforts to find alternative accommodation.
§ Sir T. MooreWhile thanking my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether he appreciates that there is a natural and understandable resentment by private traders and others when they see their premises still occupied by Government Departments six years after the end of the war? Will he do as much as he can quickly to free all these requisitioned premises?
§ Mr. EcclesI appreciate that and am doing all that I can.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware of the strong feeling in Ayr that the barracks should be de-requisitioned and utilised for housing purposes.