HC Deb 29 April 1947 vol 436 cc216-7W
112. Mr. W. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Works if he will now discontinue the arrangements whereby requisitioned property, on being vacated by the occupying Department, is then offered to all other Government Departments before release is contemplated.

Mr. Durbin

The number of types of requisitioned premises to which the procedure applies is slowly being reduced and it does not now apply to small houses and flats, educational establishments, hotels and holiday camps, premises used for religious or welfare purposes and certain other classes of premises.

Mr. Gunter

asked the Minister of Works when it is proposed to derequisition the Sunday school hall belonging to the Thundersley Congregational Church which has now been held for over six years; and if he is aware of the grave limitations placed upon the work of this church by the continued denial of the use of premises which were erected by the sacrifice of members of this church.

Mr. Key

The church hall is used as the local food office. It has not been possible to find alternative accommodation and the erection of a hut is being considered.

Sir H. Webbe

asked the Minister of Works the present area of floor space occupied under Government requisition at Shell Mex House and I.C.I. House, Millbank, respectively; and the average number of people employed at each of these places during the last three months, or at the latest date for which figures are available.

Mr. Key

The gross area, including corridors, etc., held on requisition in Shell Mex House is approximately 230,000 square feet of office space and 16,170 square feet of basement space. The net clerical area, excluding corridors, etc., occupied by Government staffs is 187,000 square feet. The average number of Government staff in occupation during the first three months of this year was 1,753. In addition the Petroleum Board have a staff of about 200 in the requisitioned accommodation. The net area excluding corridors, etc., held on requisition in House is 175,000 square feet of office space and 38,000 square feet of storage space. The average number of staff in occupation during the first three months of this year was 1,655