§ Mr. YOUNGERasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the land upon which Montagu House stands is owned by the Crown and leased by the Duke of Buccleuch; what compensation was paid by the Metropolitan Board of Works on the formation of the Thames Embankment in respect of land appertaining to Montagu House taken or injured; and whether the compensation paid to the Duke of Buccleuch as tenant amounted to the sum of £8,325, awarded for the garden taken, injury to property and 1650 amenity, and new walls required to enclose the property?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)The land upon which Montagu House stands is owned by the Crown and is leased to the Duke of Buccleuch. No compensation in respect of the land was paid to the Crown on the formation of the Thames Embankment, and I am not aware of the amount paid to the duke.
§ Mr. YOUNGERWould it not be, therefore, as incorrect to say that £150,000 was paid in respect of that land, as it is to say that compensation was paid in respect of such land to the extent of £8,325 for value added without the act or superaction of the owner?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am not sure whether the hon. Member is asserting a fact or asking a question. All I have to say is that I have no knowledge of the sum paid to the duke.
§ Mr. REMNANTWill the right hon. Gentleman have a copy of his reply sent to the Lord Advocate?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat is quite unnecessary, because the Lord Advocate is perfectly aware of the facts.
§ Mr. REMNANTWas he aware of the facts when he made his first statement?