§ 66. Mr. TOUCHEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the Local Government Records and Museums Committee of the London County Council recommended that the accommodation which the standing joint committee deter mine to be necessary for London Quarter essions be provided on the site belonging to the council at Newington, subject to his approval, and that this recommenddation was agreed to by the council on 2nd July, 1912; can he say whether the qualification in the recommendation requiring his approval was based on a wrong interpretation of his powers and is unnecessary; has any application been made to him in pursuance of the adoption of the recommendation by the council, and what action, if any, has he taken or does he propose to take in the matter; 441 and will he withhold his approval, if not already given, on the ground that his sanction is not required for locating the proposed new Sessions House at Newington?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have been asked if, I will be prepared to approve a scheme for holding Sessions at Clerkenwell while a new Sessions House is being built at Newington, and I have replied in the affirmative. I shall also have to approve a scheme for the holding of the Sessions at Newington when the new Sessions House is complete. In this sense, and in this sense only, the decision of the London County Council with regard to the matter is subject to my approval.
§ Mr. TOUCHEDo I understand that they are going to build before they have obtained the approval of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. If the hon. Member reads my answer he will see that I have given him a complete reply to his question.