HC Deb 05 April 1910 vol 16 cc216-8
Mr. HOARE

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the site of the Duke of York's School, Chelsea, is held under any trust; and whether, in the event of it being held under a trust, the proceeds of a sale must be devoted to the purposes of the school?

The HON. MEMBER further

asked what is the cost of each of the three following items, the site, the building, and the equipment of the new Duke of York's School at Guston, near Dover; and to what sum this amounts per place of the boys accommodated in the school?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The property in question is vested in the Commissioners of Works, and the Government is advised that in the event of a sale the purchase money should be applied in providing a new school, and that any surplus must be dealt with as provided by the Crown Lands Act, 1829. The figures regarding the cost of building and equipment of the new Duke of York's School at Guston cannot as yet be given with absolute accuracy, but they are approximately as follows:—

£
Site (Plus a rent of £10 a year) 23,386
Building (including laying out of grounds) 185,600
Equipment (including removal) 7,000

The number of boys accommodated at present is about 510, making a cost of about £423 per boy; but in addition accommodation is provided for thirty students and the necessary staff, as shown in Appendix 8 of the Army Estimates.

Mr. HOARE

Is there no trust at all?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

A trust is not a necessity of the First Commissioner of Works holding this property.

Mr. WILLIAM PEEL

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the cost is £435 per boy, and is not that an excessive cost?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The actual cost is £423 per boy, but there will have to be deducted from that expenditure for the accommodation of thirty students and the necessary staff.

Mr. HOARE

How does that answer reconcile with the statement of the First Commissioner of Works that he was a trustee for the boys?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Because he happens to be the First Commissioner of Works.

Mr. HOARE

Is it possible to have a trustee without a trust?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

In his official capacity as First Commissioner of Works he is owner for the time being, and is trustee for that purpose of that particular property.

Mr. HOARE

Is he trustee or owner?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

He is not the beneficiary owner; he is owner for the time being.