§ 72. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many houses in Britain are still held by his Department under requisitioning powers; and what is the cost to the Exchequer in consequence.
§ Mr. MarplesAt 31st May last the estimated number of houses so held in England and Wales was 77,473. The cost to the Exchequer for the financial year is estimated at rather less than £5 million.
§ 73. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will further circularise local authorities to release forthwith all requisitioned dwellings, in view of the slow progress so far achieved.
§ Mr. MarplesNo. I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd) on 7th July. I should add that my right hon. Friend is now considering the second interim report submitted by the working party.