LORD GRENFELLI beg to ask the question standing in the name of the noble Viscount, Lord Long, who apologizes for being absent.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, in view of the lengthy negotiations which have taken place in regard to the de-requisitioning of the privately-owned Stone Pier Workshops at Warsash, whether this property can now be returned to its owner, and further, whether His Majesty's Government are aware of the fact that continued delay is preventing ex-service personnel from earning their living.]
§ LORD WESTWOODMy Lords, it is hoped that a final decision on the disposal of the properties which are held by the Admiralty on requisition at Warsash, and on which considerable public money has been spent, will be possible at a very early date. In the meantime, ad hoc arrangements have been made to enable the lessee of the Stone Pier and Workshops to take possession, and I understand that he has already started yacht repair activities and is employing a certain amount of labour thereon.