§ SIR GEORGE KEKEWICH (Exeter)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the letting of local properties belonging to the Crown is left entirely in the hands of the Crown Agents, Merssrs. Clutton; and whether he will consider the advisability, with a view to securing the more speedy letting of such properties and avoiding loss of revenue, of placing them in the hands of local agents instead of merely placing notice boards on the properties.
(Answered by Mr. Runciman.) My hon. friend is mistaken in thinking that 772 Messrs. Clutton are the only agents for Crown property. Except in London it is part of the duties of the Crown receivers (including Messrs. Clutton) to arrange relettings when necessary of the premises for which they are receivers, subject to instructions from the Commissioner of Woods in charge of the premises. To employ other agents would lead to additional expense which as a general rule is not considered necessary. In exceptional cases agents are employed and Crown premises to let are advertised in local or other suitable papers as appears expedient.