HC Deb 22 June 1910 vol 18 cc362-3
Mr. MacVEAGH

asked to whom, on what terms, and under what circumstances the lease of Old Scotland Yard was granted?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I gather that the hon. Member is referring to the premises at one time occupied by the Metropolitan Police in Great Scotland Yard. The lease of some of these premises was assigned to His Majesty's Office of "Works in 1891 and the leases of other premises expired in April, 1905, after which date the only building occupied by the police was one which stood in the centre of Great Scotland Yard. This building was held on a lease granted by the Commissioners of His Majesty's Woods and Forests on 5th July, 1874, for a period of forty years, at a ground rent of £120. The Police interest in this lease was transferred to His Majesty's Office of Works in February, 1909, in connection with the erection by the Government of the new recruiting depot, in which building accommodation for police purposes will be provided in exchange for the premises given up.