§ 25. Mr. RONALD M'NEILLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any complaint from the Walmer Urban District Council, or from residents in Marine Road, Walmer, regarding a new building in course of erection by the Admiralty at the corner of Marine Road, Walmer; whether the building in question is in front of the Marine Swimming Bath and at a considerably higher level, and does not conform with the building line of the road in which it is Situate, thereby obstructing the view towards the sea from other houses in the neighbourhood; whether the urban district council has represented that the building will be detrimental to the adjoining properties and to the district as a residential neighbourhood; whether, in the erection of the building on the site selected, regard was had to the Statute 51 and 52 Vic, c. 52, s. 3; and by what authority the Admiralty refuses to observe the law by which private individuals would be bound in such a case?
Mr. LAMBERT (Civil Lord of the Admiralty)Complaints have been received from the urban district council and from certain residents in regard to the erection of this small building, the size of which is 12 feet by 10 feet. Its height above the ground level is 11 feet 6 inches, and the building is lower than the adjacent swimming bath. The Admiralty consider that there is little or no justification for these complaints. They have always endeavoured to meet local wishes as far as is compatible with what is necessary for the efficiency of the Service.
§ Mr. R. M'NEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question—as to the authority by which the law is overridden by the Admiralty?
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTI have made careful inquiry. We have not broken the law at all.
§ Mr. R. M'NEILLHas the right hon. Gentleman referred to the Statute mentioned in the question?
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTI am advised by the legal adviser to the Admiralty that we are perfectly in order in what we have done.