§ 22. Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSasked in what way the purchase of land at Romford 16 on the 8th instant was considered desirable for the improvement of the adjoining Crown estate; and was it done with the object of preventing the building of artisans' houses on the land purchased?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe purchase was effected in order to secure an improved approach to other land belonging to the Crown and so render the latter more available for building. The Commissioner has no knowledge of any proposal to erect artisans' buildings on the land purchased.
§ 23. Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSasked whether the land purchased at Romford on the 8th instant for £750 would be let on building lease for the purpose of erecting artisans' houses; if so, whether a ground rent securing a return of 4 per cent. on the money invested would be accepted; and, if not, what rent is asked?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe purchase has not yet been completed, and the Commissioner is not at present able to decide on the precise future disposition of the land, nor the rent that should be obtained for it.
§ Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that the Crown surveyor differed in the auction room to let it on building lease when he found that those who were inclined to buy it for that purpose were disappointed?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo.
§ Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the demand, not for artisans' dwellings, but for artisans' small houses?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have no doubt that when the purchase is complete the Commissioners will make all necessary inquiries.