HC Deb 04 March 1912 vol 35 cc18-9
Mr. COOPER

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government purchased or leased Wellington House for the Insurance Commissioners; and what are the financial terms of such purchase or lease?

The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Captain Guest)

Wellington House has been hired on a short lease. It is not desirable in the public interest that the amount of rent paid should be stated, but it will be open to the Committee on Public Accounts when the accounts for this year are under examination to satisfy themselves on this point.

Mr. COOPER

Arising out of that extraordinary answer is the House to understand that henceforth the responsibility for the details of national expenditure are to be transferred from this House to the Committee on Public Accounts?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is an argumentative question.

Mr. BOOTH

May I ask whether this House has been insured against fire?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice should be given of that question.

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