§ Mr. JOHN WARDasked the Secretary for War whether he had received any communication from the chairman or other officer of the London Territorial Association asking that the vacant she of the Duke of York's School, Chelsea, should be acquired by the Army Council for the use of their association; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that the association's work is being greatly curtailed by their inability to receive proper site accommodation in the metropolis, he would favourably consider the application?
§ Viscount DALRYMPLEalso asked the Secretary for War if he had received any communication from the London County Association requesting that the site of the Duke of York's School might be reserved by the Government; and whether the correspondence could be laid upon the Table of the House?
§ Mr. HALDANEI may state that while no official communication on this subject has reached the War Office the Chairman has personally approached me on the matter. The disposal of the site, however, rests entirely with the Office of Works. I may add that the Association last week communicated officially with the War Office on the question of the provision of accommodation generally for the units under their administration, and their letter is now receiving consideration.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDWould the right hon. Gentleman see the Commissioner of Works with a view to preventing or delaying the disposal of this site until the War Office or the Army Council have considered the subject?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe site will be disposed of under the provisions of the Act of Parliament. The Commissioner of Works is only proceeding in that way and the Treasury have only a financial interest in the matter, and their action is regulated by Statute.
§ Lord ALEXANDER THYNNEDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has no correspondence upon the subject?
§ Mr. HALDANEYes.