§ 78. Major PRESCOTTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is now in a position to announce the estimated total cost of the adaptation of the Alexandra Palace for Government offices; whether it is proposed to use the whole of each of the several buildings for national service; whether the Government have approved of any portion of the park being exclusively used as a racecourse; and if he is aware that the contributory authorities in the 1900 Act are strongly opposed to the drastic adaptation of these premises for the use of Government Departments?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfréd Mond)The answers to the first and third parts of the question are in the negative in each case, and to the second part in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, I am aware of the opposition of the contributory authorities referred to and am, in fact, meeting a deputation from one of them on Wednesday next, the 2nd July.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to be in a position to inform us what the estimated total cost of the adaptation will be?
§ Sir A. MONDIn a few days.
Major NEWMANCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us the rent the Government; are paying for the Alexandra Palace?
§ Sir A. MONDI must have notice of that.
§ Sir A. MONDA very large number of buildings will be vacated, but the numbers are so large I cannot remember them.
§ 79. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the First Commissioner of Works whether the main hall of the Alexandra Palace is to be converted into offices for Government officials?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer is in the affirmative.
§ 80. Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked what the cost will be for the conversion of the Alexandra Palace for the use of Government officials?
§ Sir A. MONDIt is not yet possible to give the information asked for, as the details of the necessary works to be carried out have not been settled.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman say what Ministry will use these offices?
§ Sir A. MONDThey will be used by the liquidation staff of the Ministry of Munitions and the staffs of other Departments.