HC Deb 11 December 1945 vol 417 cc345-6W
Sir H. Webbe

asked the Minister of Works how many flats at the addresses in Westminster, of which he has been informed, are at present under requisition for office purposes; and how soon it is proposed to make these flats available for normal user.

Mr. Tomlinson

The 23 flats held on requisition by the Ministry of Works will be released as soon as alternative accommodation can be found for the present occupants. Proposals to this end are at present under consideration. Fifty-two flats are held by the War Department for office purposes at these addresses. I am informed that the War Office are at present unable to say when they will be released.

Sir H. Webbe

asked the Minister of Works how many square feet of office space are under requisition at the address in Westminster, of which he has been informed; and what is the average number of persons occupying that space in each of the last three months.

Mr. Tomlinson

My Ministry holds on requisition at the address in question 47,418 square feet of which 10,819 square feet are suitable for normal office purposes. The remainder, being without natural light, is used for storage. The average number of staff occupying the office space during the past three months has been about 120.

Sir H. Webbe

asked the Minister of Works how many flats at the address in the Abbey Division, of which he has been informed, are at present under requisition for office purposes; and how soon it is proposed to make these flats available for normal user.

Mr. Tomlinson

One hundred and one flats are held on requisition for office purposes at the address mentioned. These are very large flats, but I am nevertheless hopeful that it will be possible to release them next spring.

Flight-Lieutenant Teeling

asked the Minister of Works whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the derequisitioning of hotels, schools and residential property in Brighton and Hove.

Mr. Tomlinson

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave him on 30th October about the release of requisitioned hotels in Brighton. A conference was held at Brighton on 6th December, when a programme for the release of all but four of the hotels by 15th February was placed before the Corporation. Particulars of the requisition: of the other properties referred to are not at present available, but I will inquire of the several Departments who may be holding such properties and communicate with the hon. and gallant Member the result of my inquiry.