§ Brigadier Petoasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a considerable number of hotels and other dwelling-houses still requisitioned in North-West Devon and in Ilfracombe in particular; that this is causing hardship to the rightful owners of these properties; and how many hotels and dwelling-houses in Ilfracombe will be released before the New Year.
§ Mr. LawsonIn Ilfracombe my Department holds 17 hotels and two dwelling-houses. These are all in use by three PayOffices which are a vital link in the Release Scheme. I cannot offer any hope that these premises will be released before the New Year. Apart from Ilfracombe, the Department holds very few hotels and houses in North-West Devon. I expect to release four hotels and 12 houses by the New Year. These are the majority of the properties held.