§ Mr. W. Brownasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether he is aware that a good deal of requisitioning of furnished houses and flats is taking place in the London area and elsewhere, while empty premises, close to the places commandeered, appear to be available; and why this is not avoided?
§ Mr. H. StraussThe requisitioning of premises in occupation is avoided wherever practicable. The number of furnished flats and houses requisitioned by my Department recently is small and of these a substantial proportion was unoccupied. It sometimes happens that in blocks of flats most of which are vacant there are a few occupied flats which it is necessary to requisition. There are various factors to take into account in selecting accommodation and it is not possible to restrict the choice entirely to empty premises.