HC Deb 16 July 1919 vol 118 cc387-8
83. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the continued occupation by the War Office staff of the examination halls and other parts of the University of London building is causing inconvenience to the university authorities, is interfering with the educational work of the schools and colleges of the university which are required to allocate for the examinations of the university rooms used for teaching, and that the occupation of the east and west galleries interferes seriously with the conduct of the practical tests organised for students and examinees in different branches of science; and whether he can now state when these halls and galleries of the university buildings will be restored to the university for carrying on the educational work proper to the university?

Sir A. MOND

I am fully aware of, and much regret, the great inconvenience caused by the occupation of the university galleries by part of the staffs of the War Office. It is impossible, however, to give a definite date by which the galleries will be vacated. I have been and am still in communication with the War Office upon the subject, and, so far as I am concerned, every possible effort has been and is being made to restore the galleries to the university at the earliest date possible.

Sir P. MAGNUS

May I ask whether the fault rests with the War Office or with the First Commissioner of Works for this long delay?

Sir A. MOND

I do not think the fault lies with either, but it is owing to the diffi- cult circumstances in which we are placed in dealing with the staffs of the War Office.

Mr. BILLING

Why not use the empty German Embassy premises in Carlton House Terrace with a view to relieving the pressure on other buildings?

Sir A. MOND

The German Embassy in Carlton House Terrace during the War has been utilised by, I think, the Swiss. Embassy, which took charge of German affairs. It has never been considered advisable to take it over as British Government property, and I do not imagine that that policy will be varied now.