§ 39. Mr. LYNCHasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he was influenced by motives of economy in neglecting the opportunity of taking over Buckingham Palace either for the use of wounded soldiers or for Government offices; and, if so, whether he will state the grounds on which he arrived at his decision that the transaction would be uneconomical?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)The answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. LYNCHIn view of the fact that it requires only about £5,000 to set this 912 house in order, will the right hon. Gentleman refer the question to the War Cabinet, reminding them that they are spending millions in the multiplication of useless offices?
§ Sir A. MONDI do not know what the hon. Member means by saying it would only cost £5,000 "to set this house in order." I do not know to what "house" he is referring.
§ 40. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the First Commissioner of Works how many demands for additional office accommodation are now awaiting the sanction of the Accommodation Committee of the War Cabinet, showing how many of these buildings are wanted in London and how many in other parts of the country?
§ Sir A. MONDAt the present moment there are thirteen demands for accommodation awaiting settlement by the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, all of them in London. There are a number of other demands of minor importance in London and the provinces, which are dealt with as part of the ordinary routine of my Department.