§ MR. LOWEsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary of State for War, If he will state his intentions with regard to the removal or re-building of Knightsbridge Barracks; and, in the event of their intentions not being yet matured, if he will consent to defer any decisive step in the direction of re-building until the next Session, in order that this House may have an opportunity of expressing its opinion on a question so important to the convenience and beauty of Hyde Park and the West End of London?
§ SIR JOHN PAKINGTONsaid, in reply, that he was not able to state his intentions more fully than he had done already to a deputation which waited upon 1516 him on the subject. He then stated that the Government were in no way pledged on the Question, which was entirely open for consideration. There were three points for the Government to consider—first, the wishes and convenience of the residents of the neighbourhood; secondly, the necessity of providing a situation convenient in point of locality for the Household troops; and thirdly, the amount of expenditure which would be involved in any change. These questions would receive due attention from the Government, but he must decline at present to enter into any engagement that he would not come to any decision on the Question before the next Session of Parliament, and he had less hesitation in saying so because it would not be possible for the Government to carry out any plan without applying to the House for a Vote of money to defray the necessary expense.