65. Mr. MALONEasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how much money His Majesty's Government have spent in connection with Chesham House since 11th November, 1918; how much of this sum was spent in rent and how much on other purposes, and what purposes; what was the date of the last payment; what are the outstanding liabilities; who is the present tenant of Chesham House and why; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to return this building to the Russian Government?
§ Earl WINTERTON (for Mr. C. Harms-worth)His Majesty's Government have spent in connection with Chesham House, from the 11th November, 1918, to the 31st March, 1919, when all payments ceased, approximately £15,111. Of this, £557 11s. 5d. was for rent, £2,725 6s. 8d. for the upkeep of the embassy and church, £2,884 for the maintenance of the military agency, £1,837 2s. 3d. for the upkeep of Russian trustees and staff, £4,666 1s. 4d. for the upkeep of Russian Consulates, about £440 on account of the naval attaché, and £2,000 on account of Russian relief. His Majesty's Government have no outstanding liabilities in this connection. The present tenant of Chesham House is Countess Benckendorff, who has leased the house from its owner. In these circumstances His Majesty's Government have no ground for intervening in its occupancy.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould the Noble Lord find out who is the owner of this house?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat does not concern the Government in the least.