asked the Minister of Works the number of dwelling-houses in Edinburgh at present occupied by Government Departments; and, having regard to the shortage of houses in the city, how many of these are likely to be derequisitioned before the end of the year.

Forty-five dwelling-houses in Edinburgh are occupied by civil Departments. Thirteen of these are pre-war tenancies. It is not possible for me to say how many can be released by the end of the year. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that dwelling-houses, particularly of the smaller types, will, wherever possible, be derequisitioned in preference to other classes of property.