§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the declared intention of the Government to preserve the essential work of education undisturbed, the commandeering of educational buildings has already seriously interfered with, and is progressively injuring educational work; and whether he will inquire more closely into the activities of his Department in this field and revise precipitate and ill-considered action where this can be demonstrated to have taken place?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI am aware, and much regret, that over-riding require-552W ments have made it necessary to commandeer a number of educational buildings. This action has only been taken where I am satisfied that there is no alternative, and in many such cases my Department has assisted as far as possible in finding alternative premises for the educational establishments affected. As I explained yesterday in reply to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson), I intend as opportunity offers to provide alternative accommodation in the areas concerned, to replace the buildings so requisitioned.