§ MR. THORNTON (Clapham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why a much-needed Police Station, the erection of which would give work to the unemployed of the Metropolis, is not built upon the Home Office property on Lavender Hill, S.W., which adjoins the South Western Police Court?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe erection of a station at Lavender Hill has been approved, and the work will be commenced as soon as the drawings and specifications are complete. Two large works have just been commenced—a new station at Hunter Street and another at Black-wall Point—and two more will be commenced in the course of a few weeks at Kentish Town and West Ham.
§ MR. J. BURNSThe Home Office having decided to build this station, will the Homo Secretary take care to acquire the freehold both of the Police Court and Police Station, so as to avoid having to 345 continue to pay a very heavy ground rent?
§ MR. ASQUITHI will consider that matter.