HC Deb 05 May 1953 vol 515 cc203-4
46. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Works when he expects to be able to return 4, Cornwall Terrace, to its owner who is desirous of living in the house.

The Minister of Works (Mr. David Eccles)

This house is one of a block occupied by the Monopolies Commission. It can be released from requisition only when the Commission can be found other offices. This may not be for some little time, and I regret that at present I am unable to give any date.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that that is a very unsatisfactory reply which tells me no more than I knew a few weeks ago? Surely a British subject living in the days of a Conservative Government is entitled to have his home returned to him.

Mr. Eccles

My hon. and gallant Friend will know that we are steadily de-requisitioning properties, but I can only do it when I can find alternative accommodation for the Government servants who have been in them. The lessee of this particular house was offered another property but did not take it.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the property offered was a much bigger house and was quite unworkable; and will he look at this again and try to see whether he can give a firm date when the house can be returned?

Mr. Eccles

I will look at it again, but I cannot promise anything.

47. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Works how much money was spent on 4, Cornwall Terrace to make it habitable when taken over by his Department, with the exception of main central heating for the building and a through corridor to adjoining houses.

Mr. Eccles

Four thousand seven huD-dred and thirteen pounds.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will my right hon. Friend have a real search into the accountancy of the Monopolies Commission and his own Department? My information is that the figure is more like £1,000. Will he look into the figures again?

As the replies to both this Question and Question No. 46 were most unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I shall raise these matters on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.