§ MR. KNOXI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what are the conditions as to building in the lease from the Crown of the site of Her Majesty's Theatre in Pall Mall, which now lies vacant; who is the lessee; whether the property is, in effect, in the hands of the mortgagee; and whether he can state the name of the mortgagee; and whether he will take any steps within his power to enforce the conditions of the lease?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTThe site of Her Majesty's Theatre is held under building agreements entered into between Mr. G. H. Tod Heatly and the Commissioner of Woods, the conditions of which provide for the completion of the new buildings before March 31, 1896. There have been difficulties not unnatural in the carrying out of so large a scheme of re-building which have led to delay, but the Crown's interests have not been prejudiced thereby at present. The Commissioner of Woods is not, however, satisfied with the present position of; matters; and unless progress should be made at an early date with the works, it may become necessary to take more active steps on the part of the Crown. It is understood that Mr. Tod Heatly's interest is mortgaged, but the Crown rent is still paid by him.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI believe that that is a fact.