HC Deb 31 March 1910 vol 15 cc1460-1
Mr. HOARE

asked what is the intention of His Majesty's Government with respect to the use of the surplus of the amount realised by the sale of the Duke of York's School site, Chelsea, over the amount spent on the foundation and equipment of the new school at Dover?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Any surplus arising from the proceeds of the sale of the site, after providing for the cost incurred in the erection of the new school, must be dealt with as provided by the Crown Lands Act, 1829.

Mr. HOARE

Am I to understand that any of the estimated surplus has been spent by any Government Department, or that any pledge has been given as to any specific form of expenditure?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That has not been so. There is no surplus to provide for.

Mr. HOARE

Is there an estimated surplus?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

When the sale takes, place I shall be able to say what the surplus really is. It is impossible to deal with an estimated surplus.

Mr. HOARE

Am I to understand that none of the surplus, supposing there is any surplus, has yet been pledged to any specific form of expenditure by any Government Department?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That raises a hypothetical disposition of a hypothetical surplus.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Is the estimated value of the site the same now as the estimated site value when the new school was built?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I think I must have notice of that question. I do not know whether the Noble Lord refers to the new school in the country or the new school on the site. If he refers to the school on the site it was a very great number of years ago, and the value has very greatly risen since that time.

MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

Is the site of the Duke of York's School in London now of the same value as was estimated when the new school was built in Dover?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I cannot answer offhand, but I suppose there is no difference in value.