HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 cc380-1W
Sir T. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many requisitioned properties in Norfolk, both buildings and land, have long been unused; and whether he will arrange for their early occupation or derequisition.

Mr. G. Hutchinson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange to release dwelling-houses at present under requisition to his Department in Southend, Leigh-on-Sea, Loughton and other areas in Essex, where accommodation might be made available for persons bombed out from Ilford and elsewhere in Greater London.

Sir J. Grigg

It is essential to keep a reserve of unoccupied accommodation for future known commitments and for unforeseen contingencies, but this reserve is kept as small as military needs allow. The matter is now being reviewed, and I should be grateful if my hon. Friends would send me details of the specific cases they have in mind.

Mr. O. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for War how many houses in Colchester requisitioned for Army use and now not required for this purpose he has been able as yet to release for other purposes.

Sir J. Grigg

The total number of houses requisitioned by the War Department in Colchester is 48. Nine of these are empty, but I regret that it is not possible to release them at present. Six other houses have been released or transferred to other Government Departments in the last three months.

Mr. Loverseed

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the circumstances under which Frodsham Drill Hall, which is under requisition to his Department, was let to the prospective Liberal National candidate for Eddisbury, for a political meeting addressed by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 21st November, 1944.

Sir J. Grigg

Application was made to the War Office through Western Command for the use of this Drill Hall as the hon. Member states, and the request was granted in accordance with the usual procedure by which requisitioned halls may be loaned for political meetings so long as military commitments permit.