§ MR. THORNTON (Clapham)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether it is true that the Albert Palace, Battersea, is to be sold and pulled down, and the site utilised for building purposes?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. SHAW LEFEVRE,) Bradford, CentralI have recently received information from the hon. Member for Battersea that he is compelled to abandon his scheme of purchasing the Albert Palace for the purpose of transferring it to the London County Council as a place of public recreation. Under these circumstances, I shall feel it my duty to realise the value of the property as soon as possible; it is probable, therefore, that the building will be removed and that the site will be used for building purposes.
§ MR. THORNTONMay I ask if it is a fact that the hon. Member for Battersea has for several weeks been charged by the Board of Works a rental of £2 a week for the housing of the organ, which he bought in the public interest?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVRENot that I am aware of.
§ MR. J. BURNSIf the hon. Member for Clapham had asked me a question on the subject I could have informed him that the £2 a week has been charged by one of the parties interested, and not by the Office of Works.