§ Mr. BELLOCMay I ask whether there is any truth in the report published in the public Press this morning that negotiations are concluded for the purchase out of public moneys of the Duke of Bedford's estate, known as the Thorney estate?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe hon. Member was good enough to give me private notice, but it only reached me at the beginning of questions. Undoubtedly negotiations are in progress for the purchase of the estate, but it is impossible for me to state what they are until they are in such a completed form as to be submitted to the Treasury for criticism or approval.