§ Mr. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for War when the honourable Member for Louth is likely to get an answer to his letter of 26th October with regard to the derequisitioning of Clyde House, Marshchapel, Lincolnshire, which is being used as an officers' mess, when there is adequate alternative accommodation in the village inn; and will he see that the owner, who has served with distinction with the R.A.F., is now enabled to get into his own house without further delay.
§ Mr. LawsonThe hon. Member will by now have received the reply which was sent to him on 15th November.
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Mr. Baldwinasked the Secretary of State for War why steps are not being taken to derequisition Moreton Court, Hereford, and return this agricultural land amounting to 300 acres for food production; when it is proposed to compensate the owners for damage done to woodlands and other grounds requisitioned in 1942; why was the lodge requisitioned in November, 1943, when it had just been renovated by the owner for his own use, since it has been vacant from that date; and why is the mansion of 60 rooms still of military necessity since it has only been used by the Army authorities twice during three years and that for holding two dances by American officers.
§ Mr. LawsonThe land is now covered by a large storage depot containing several hundred thousand feet of covered storage. It is essential as a depot at present and I can give no forecast for derequisitioning. Compensation for damage done to woodlands, etc., is not payable until the land is derequisitioned. The lodge was originally requisitioned on security grounds at the request of the U.S. Army. Derequisitioning action has been initiated in regard to the mansion.
§ Commander Nobleasked the Secretary of State for War on what dates he expects to derequisition the 76 premises in Chelsea at present held by his Department, many of which are flats and houses.
§ Mr. LawsonApart from four houses which are being investigated for early release, I can make no forecast at present. Nearly all these properties house units which are necessarily accommodated in London. War Department accommodation in London is, unfortunately, inadequate to meet present essential commitments.
§ Mr. Carsonasked the Secretary of State for War for what purpose Arundel, West Cliff Road, Ramsgate, is being used by his Department; and whether he will give an approximate date when he considers it likely that this house will no longer be required by his Department.
§ Mr. LawsonThis property is in process of derequisitioning under the normal procedure.
§ Squadron-Leader Flemingasked the Secretary of State for War how many houses, including flats, are occupied or 378W retained by his Department in the City of Manchester, and when will they be derequisitioned.
§ Mr. LawsonThirty, of which 21 are planned for derequisitioning by March, 1946. I can give no estimate of dates for the remaining nine.
Captain R. Adamsasked the Secretary of State for War the number of requisitioned properties held by his Department in the borough of Wandsworth, on 1st May, 1945, and on the latest date available; and whether he will give a date for the final release of all these properties which are urgently required for rehousing homeless families.
§ Mr. LawsonThe numbers of houses and flats held on 1st May and 13th November were 99 and 58 respectively. I anticipate that of the 58 still held, 28 will be released by the end of the year, and a further 24 by March, 1946. I am not at present in a position to say when the remaining six can be given up.