§ Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that delay occurs in handing over derequisitioned houses, formerly occupied by his department in Edinburgh, because of the time taken to prepare marching out: statements; and will he take steps to remedy this.
§ Mr. LawsonThere is an unavoidable time lag in these cases, mainly due to the need to prepare a schedule of condition and to remove War Department fixtures. Further, in accordance with general Government procedure, properties must be offered for use by other Government Departments, if required, before they are derequisitioned. Every effort is being made to speed up release, but shortage of staff is a limiting factor.