Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is expected that Mr. Morris will make his report of his inquiry into the requisitioning of houses?
§ Sir K. WoodI understand that I may expect to receive the report shortly.
§ Major Milnerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what Departments are authorised to find and requisition buildings; whether there is any central authority or register; and whether he is aware of the conflict and overlapping which is taking place in this matter?
§ Mr. HicksThe Departments authorised to requisition buildings are those specified as competent authorities under paragraph 49 of the Defence Regulations. A Central Register of Accommodation is maintained in my Department for the co-ordination of accommodation requirements except factory and storage premises. The finding and1556W allocation of premises required by Departments for factory and storage purposes is undertaken by the Factory and Storage Premises Control of the Board of Trade, which, I understand, is compiling a register of such premises. I am not aware of material overlapping and the few instances of conflicting claims have so far been settled.
§ Major Milnerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings for what Department he recently requisitioned Pearl Chambers, Leeds, at short notice, causing great inconvenience to the many old-established occupants; and why other and more adequate premises known to his Department were not taken?
§ Mr. HicksThe premises were taken for use by the Ministry of Supply. Alternative premises were considered, but, having regard to all the circumstances, Pearl Chambers appeared most suitable.