§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings why an expensive block of flats 725W in Portman Square has been commandeered, while another block in the same square, requisitioned some months ago, is still unoccupied; and whether he will endeavour to get equivalent accommodation at a much less cost to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. HicksAdditional accommodation is necessary to house increased Government staffs, to rehouse staffs from bombed buildings and to provide alternative accommodation for staffs if their present offices should be damaged. The other block of flats referred to was requisitioned on the 20th February; vacant possession of the whole of the flats was not obtained until 18th March, and they are now being prepared for Government staffs. The net rent asked for fats of a suitable character compares favourably with that asked for modern office blocks.