§ 43. Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions for what purpose he is still retaining about seventeen acres of Clapham Common for his Department; if the London County Council has repeatedly applied for its release so that this acreage can now be used for its original purpose of an open space for games; and if he will give instructions to release this land at once so that it can be used during the ensuing summer months?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe seventeen acres in question form part of a total area of twenty-six acres used by the Ministry for testing anti-gas respirators, and for the storage of respirators and helmets returned from France. The remainder of the ground is, at the request of the London County Council, being reinstated for use as an open space during the summer. The seventeen acres retained are still being used for storage purposes. No request has been received from the County Council for vacation of this apace, but I am making inquiries as to the earliest date at which it will be possible to surrender the whole area.