§ 13. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked upon what grounds a beneficial lease of valuable land in Regent's Park was granted to Bedford College; and whether, before this lease was granted, to the detriment of the park, steps were taken to ascertain the marketable value of such a lease and to offer it to open competition?
§ Mr.RUNCIMANBedford College in 1908 acquired the lease of South Villa, Regent's Park, which would have expired in 1924. The rent of this lease was £333 per annum. They applied for the grant of a new lease, and in accordance with the usual practice terms for the surrender of the existing, and grant of a new, lease were negotiated with the college on the advice of the architect and surveyor who usually advises the Commissioners of Woods in matters affectng the Crown's London estates. The rent agreed for the new lease was £500 for the first year and £950 per annum afterwards. It is not the usual practice in similar circumstances to offer property to open competition, and that course was not taken before the lease was arranged, nor could it be taken in cases where there is an existing lease which has several years to run.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWas the existing lease held by Bedford College?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANBedford College acquired the lease in 1908. It had to run until 1924.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWere not the terms on which it was granted very advantageous to this particular educational institution?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not in a position to challenge the assessment which was made by the adviser to the Commissioners. He advised that £950 per annum would be a full rent.
§ Sir H. CRAIKWere no representations made for special treatment for this educational institution?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should give notice.
§ Sir H. CRAIKOn a point of Order. Surely this question arises out of the answer?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member desires an answer he should put down a question.
14 and 15. Mr. POINTERasked the President of the Board of Agriculture (1) what leases are under negotiation for renewal in Regent's Park, of what value, and for how many years; and (2) whether his attention has been called, by deputation, public demonstrations, and by other means, to the opposition to the renewal of any leases in Regent's Park and to the need of the extension of the park in the interests of public recreation and public health; and whether he will postpone the renewal of any leases in Regent's Park until this House has had an opportunity of discussing the question in its broadest aspects of public utility?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for St. Pancras North on 21st January last, terms were provisionally arranged for the surrender of the present leases (the rents under which are £233),and the grant of a new lease of St. John's Lodge (less 3r. 23p. to be given up to the public) for a term of 60¾ years from 5th July, 1912, at a rent of £1,270 per annum and a premium of £14,290. Terms were also provisionally arranged for the surrender of the present lease (the rent under which is £650), and the grant of a new one of St. Katherine's Lodge (less la. lr. 5p. to be given up to the public) for a term expiring 5th April, 1973, 1463 at a rent of £720 per annum. Several deputations have been received on the subject mentioned, and in January last, in order to give time to local authorities or others to consider the situation, I agreed to postpone all further negotiation for renewing leases until 1st July. If the local authorities are prepared to reconsider their decisions not to take over the leases, I shall advise the Commissioner to suspend negotiations until a later date.