HC Deb 18 April 1956 vol 551 cc91-2W
Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Works how many houses or flats no longer required for Departmental purposes are being held pending disposal and for how long; and how much of the £319,645 under Subhead F4 of his Estimates for 1956–57 is for expenses in connection with these properties.

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

The number of houses no longer required for Departmental purposes and held pending disposal is 1,600, comprising ten estates. Of these I hope to sell to local authorities two estates (200 houses) this year, and to dispose of a further five estates (1,250 houses) by the end of 1957. The disposal of the remaining three estates is proving more difficult and may remain a problem. Expenses in connection with these properties are estimated at £67,500 in 1956–57.