§ 102. Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Works whether he will direct an immediate investigation into the delays occasioned in the release of requisitioned property for the housing of the people by the existing system, which requires that property becoming surplus to the requirements of one Government Department has to be offered to all other Government Departments before de-requisition.
§ Mr. DurbinFlats and small houses which become surplus to the requirements of one Government Department are not offered to other Departments, but are either handed over to the local authority for housing purposes or are released to their owners. Large houses and a limited number of other types of premises are offered to other Departments with a time limit of ten days only for consideration. This arrangement helps Departments to release first the types of premises such as flats and small houses which are most urgently needed. I will gladly look into any case where the procedure is said to have caused delay if the hon. Member will let me have particulars.