35. Sir M. BARLOWasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the fact that the large mansion of Sir Edgar Speyer, Baronet, P.C., has not been voluntarily offered to or commandeered by the nation, he will now consider commandeering it for the service of the Air Ministry and so possibly saving the British Museum?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)The question of acquiring Sir Edgar Speyer's house has been repeatedly considered in connection with official requirements, for which, however, it has not, up to the present, been found suitable. It is far too small to Meet the needs of the Air Ministry.
Mr. FABERMay I ask whether any application has been made to Sir Edgar Speyer, Privy Councillor, as to whether he is willing to lend his house?
§ Sir A. MONDNo application has been made. Buildings are commandeered as we require them.
Sir M. BARLOWasked whether the house of Sir Edgar Speyer, Baronet, P.C., has remained untenanted and unused for any practical purpose almost since the beginning of the War; and whether there is any reason, in view of the patriotic and voluntary surrender of their large private houses by many owners, why the house of Sir Edgar Speyer, Baronet, P.C., should not be voluntarily surrendered for war work, or, if not, forcibly commandeered?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. The hon. Member may rest assured that the house will be acquired should any need arise for which it would be found suitable.
§ 37. Captain CARR-GOMMasked whether a block of flats or chambers in the neighbourhood of Berkeley Square has recently been taken over by the Government; and whether this building was occupied by tenants at the time?
§ Sir A. MONDNo block of flats or chambers in the neighbourhood of Berkeley Square has been taken over by my Department.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMasked the, First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that there are in the west and 485 south-west districts of London many large empty houses which have been for sale on lease for a long time; and whether it would be more economical in the public interest to make use of these buildings rather than to take over hotels and erect more temporary buildings in what have hitherto been open spaces?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Whenever practicable the course indicated in the second part of the question is followed.
§ 39. Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked to what use the brick house now being built at Storey's Gate is to be put; and if the building is to be a permanent one and for Government purposes?
§ Sir A. MONDThe building in question is to provide additional accommodation for the Admiralty Controller of the Navy's Department. In common with the other temporary buildings in the Royal parks, it will be removed as soon after the declaration of peace as the interests of the State will allow.
§ Sir B. FALLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lease is 999 years
§ Sir A. MONDI am perfectly aware of that.
The following question stood in the name of Mr. LYNCH:
40. To ask the First Commissioner of Works whether the British Museum has been taken over by the Air Council; and, if so, why some other less valuable building was not selected?