§ Mr. Hoggasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that upwards of 700 people have been residing without beds, baths or privacy in a cinema for upwards of two months; whether he has considered the request from the local council for this authority to expend money on necessary improvements; why no decision has been reached; and what immediate steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am fully aware of the difficulty which the local authority concerned have experienced in finding accommodation for refugees. Indeed, I have myself visited the building referred to and authority has been given for certain necessary improvements to be effected1994W without delay. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, who is an interested party, has now agreed to the continued use of the building concerned by the local authority for the temporary accommodation of refugees. The whole matter of accommodation in the district is under urgent consideration and a survey of accommodation in neighbouring districts is being made.