§ 15. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Works how many former Service huts are now under the control of his Department; how many of such huts are at present being used; and whether he will take steps to hand over the remainder to local authorities with a view to their being used for civilian housing purposes.
§ Mr. KeyThe number of huts involved totals many thousands and the position is constantly changing. The arrangements are dealt with locally and I regret that statistics are not readily available. With regard to the last part of the Question, huts which become surplus to the requirements of any Government Department, and are available for re-use are reported to my Department, and the Ministry of Health and other interested Departments are informed so that the use of the huts for housing or other purposes can be considered.
§ 22. Mr. Charles Smithasked the Minister of Works whether, in disposing of redundant Service huts, he will accord a higher priority than has been the case hitherto to applications supported by the Ministry of Education for such huts to be used as village halls and community centres.
§ Mr. KeyNo. Such priorities as exist have been given only after careful consideration of the urgency of the various demands. The most important industrial and agricultural demands are put first.