§ 52. Mr. HOGGEasked whether the War Cabinet upheld the decision of the First Commissioner of Works in refusing to commandeer the premises of the British-American Tobacco Company for the purposes of the Pensions Ministry; and, if so, for what reason?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)Matters of accommodation are referred to the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, of which I am chairman, and not to the War Cabinet, unless it so decides. The British - American Tobacco Company placed at the disposal of the Government five floors of their premises, free of charge, which are now occupied by the Canadian Forces Record Office and the Ministry of Pensions. The value of the premises occupied is estimated at £6,500 per annum. There was, therefore, no necessity to commandeer these premises, and arrangements were made to allow the company to retain a certain portion of its offices to carry on its business. The War Cabinet Committee has expressed its gratitude to the company for the generous manner in which it has come forward to help the Government.