§ Mr. Magnayasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has delegated his powers as controller of the factory and storage premises situate in the North-Eastern Trading Estate, Gateshead, to the district valuer as the requisitioning authority to take possession of land and buildings situate in that estate?
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§ Mr. DaltonThe Controllers of Factory and Storage Premises, acting on my behalf, co-ordinate in their regions the demands of Government Departments for space for war production and storage and allocate it among the Departments. As evidence of allocation of any particular premises, the Controllers issue an "authority to acquire" to the Department concerned. The arrangements for requisitioning and compensation are the responsibility of the Department to whom the authority has been issued. I understand that the district valuer, to whom my hon. Friend refers, undertakes requisitioning negotiations on behalf of the Ministry of Supply.
§ Mr. Magnayasked the President of the Board of Trade how many premises situate in the North Eastern Trading Estate, Gateshead, are now vacant; how many at the end of October, 1942; and how many during the past two years have remained empty for considerable periods after tenants have been compelled to get out of their premises on the ground that they were urgently required for essential national work?
§ Mr. DaltonI have called for a special report on the matters referred to and will communicate with my hon. Friend when I receive it.