§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received regarding empty houses under his Department in Cumberland and their prospective use by industrial firms: and if he will undertake to release as many as possible to help the industrial firms in Carlisle and Cumberland.
§ Mr. HattersleyAn inquiry has been received from the Carlisle City Council about a number of houses belonging to my Department in Carlisle. The right hon. Member for Penrith and the Border (Mr. Whitelaw) has also written to me about houses at Hadrians Camp. Any houses which after reference to other Government Departments are found surplus to Government requirements will be offered to the local authorities and if they do not want them will be offered for sale publicly as soon as practicable.