§ Flight-Lieutenant Ethertonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the handling of property in the London area by, or on behalf of, the Royal Air Force; who, during the past three years, has been handling Royal Air Force properties requisitioned in the London area; and how many substantial properties are held by the Royal Air Force at public expense and have been unoccupied for a considerable time?
§ Captain BalfourThe answer to the first part of the Question is yes. As regards the second part, the Air Ministry is responsible for the management of properties in the London area requisitioned for the Royal Air Force. As for the last part, one substantial property which has been requisitioned has been unoccupied for approximately six weeks as the unit previously housed in it has recently been moved elsewhere. It is, however, necessary to hold the property on requisition as it is required for other Government purposes.
§ Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air why it has been found necessary to requisition certain premises, the occupier of which is both a business man and 764W a farmer of 350 acres, having regard to the fact that there are available an alternative number of empty houses suitable for billeting purposes nearer the aerodrome in question?
§ Sir A. SinclairI am aware of the facts of this case. As only the house and garage of the property in question are being requisitioned to meet urgent Royal Air Force requirements full use of the land and outbuildings can continue to be made by the occupier. I am aware that there are a limited number of other houses temporarily unoccupied in the neighbourhood, but these, if suitable, will also be required.