§ CAPTAIN JESSELI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether any of the leases of private owners in Regent's Park have been extended or renewed during the last ten years; and whether it is the intention of the Commissioners to give the first offer of obtaining the leases when they fall in to the public authorities in the neighbourhood.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo lease to a private person has been extended or renewed during the last ten years. The only lease which has been renewed during that period is the lease of the Royal Botanic Society, which stands on a different footing from those to which I understand my hon. and gallant friend's Question to refer. I have had no indication that any of the public authorities wish to acquire any of the other leaseholds. If I receive any such information, I will take care that their proposals are carefully considered before any fresh leases are granted.