HC Deb 11 August 1909 vol 9 cc387-8
Mr. LANE-FOX

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what were the terms of renewal of the lease of the United Service Club by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests on behalf of the Crown; whether the ground rent was increased; and whether a fine was demanded?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

The lease of the United Service Club was renewed in 1904 for a term of 60 years in consideration of the surrender of a then existing lease (which had 23 years unexpired at £600 per annum), the payment of a premium of £10,000— [Interruption.]— Do hon. Members opposite want to give the answer, or me?— an expenditure of £5,000 in repairs and improvements and an annual rent of £2,560. The premium and rent together represented a rent of £3,000 per annum which was considered the reasonable value of the property after allowing for the value of the unexpired lease. The premium was accepted in reduction of the rent for the convenience of the Club.

Mr. LANE-FOX

May I ask whether this is one of the cases of blackmail referred to by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No, Sir; it is the provision by which the whole of the proved value comes into possession of the country.

Mr. ASHLEY

Does it make any difference to the club who it goes to: to a private owner or the country?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Does it not make a considerable difference to the community?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The hon. Member has anticipated my reply.

Mr.WILLIAM MOORE

Are the municipalities to get half?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

There is no connection between this and the municipality. The hon. Gentleman is probably not aware that it is Crown property.

Mr. MacNEILL

May I have the assurance that not one farthing of this money goes to the dukelets?

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us the difference between a premium and a fine?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members can continue the discussion on the Finance Bill.