HC Deb 10 January 1918 vol 101 cc303-5

Admiralty-6 demands.

American Army Headquarters — 2 demands.

American Navy.

Australian Imperial Force—3 demands.

Air Ministry—3 demands.

Agriculture, Board of—3 demands.

Agriculture, Board of, Food Production Department—2 demands.

Customs—5 demands.

Foreign Office—2 demands.

Food Ministry—10 demands.

Government Laboratory, Home Office.

Inland Revenue—3 demands.

Ministry of Munitions—11 demands.

Ministry of Labour—21 demands for Labour Exchanges.

Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee.

National Health Insurance Commission.

National Service Ministry—demands.

National War Museum.

Pensions Ministry—5 demands.

Royal Commission on Paper.

Shipping Ministry—2 demands.

Stationery Office—2 demands.

Trade, Board of—7 demands.

War Office—7 demands.

Department of Overseas Trade (Development and Intelligence).

American Consul—General.

Indian Trade Commission.

Inter-Ally Council on War Purchases and Finance.

Ministry of Reconstruction.

41. Mr. WHITEHOUSE

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he assented to the proposal to use the British Museum for the purpose of the Air Ministry; and, if so, under what authority he acted?

Sir A. MOND

The proposal to use the British Museum for accommodating the Air Ministry was submitted by the President of the Air Board to the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation. A large amount of space was required, and this space was not available in any other single building except the British Museum. As Chairman of the Committee on Accommodation I submitted the proposal in principle to the War Cabinet for decision. The War Cabinet assented to the proposal. Later, as Lord Rothermere was able to considerably reduce his demands for space, the matter was again before the War Cabinet, and I was able to advise that there was no longer the same necessity for accommodating the Air Ministry in the British Museum.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

In view of the fact that the control of the British Museum is vested by Act of Parliament in certain trustees, why was the decision of the trustees overruled by the right hon. Gentleman's Department and the Government?

Sir A. MOND

The building of the British Museum is a Government building. It is under my Department, and is not vested in the trustees; and, obviously, the War Cabinet has the power of overruling the trustees of any museum.

Mr. HARRIS

As the British Museum is not available, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the taking over of Carmelite House for this purpose?

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask whether, before the right hon. Gentleman fakes over the British Museum, he will commandeer Buckingham Palace?

42. Mr. WHITEHOUSE

asked the First. Commissioner of Works whether he has entered into agreements with the Government Departments who have erected buildings in St. James's Park and other parks under his control providing for the removal of the whole of these buildings at the end of the War?

Sir A. MOND

The Office of Works is the only Department which has erected buildings in the Royal Parks, and, as I stated in this House on the 19th December last, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Harborough Division of Leicester, it is not intended that these buildings shall be permanent. They will be removed as soon after the declaration of peace as the interests of the State will allow.

Captain CARR-GOMM

Will the Office of Works have any regard at all for the open spaces of London?

Sir A. MOND

I have very great regard for the open spaces of London, and no one would be more pleased than myself to see these buildings disappear.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement, why are the latest buildings in St. James's Park being erected in a very substantial manner in brick and stone?

Sir A. MOND

The reason of that is that I am unable to obtain any timber from the Timber Controller to erect them in timber.