§ 7. Mr. Costainasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many residential premises under the control of his Department are used for commercial or storage purposes.
§ Mr. MellishAbout 200 premises, originally residential or hotels, are now owned by my Ministry and used for office, storage or similar purposes.
§ Mr. CostainIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a recent B.B.C. programme indicated that residential premises under his Department's control were being used for commercial purposes? Is he aware that the homeless find it distressing to hear of such premises being used for commercial purposes? Will he give an assurance that residential premises will be used only for residential purposes?
§ Mr. MellishI willingly make an offer to the hon. Gentleman. If he knows, or can get to know, of any premises that we are using for storage purposes which ought to be converted to residential purposes, I will look into the matter as quickly as possible. I am advised that the premises which we now own are in streets or in other locations which are zoned for office use in town plans and have ceased to be regarded as residential accommodation. I can do no more than make this offer to the hon. Gentleman.