§ 34. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is contemplated that certain premises at present occupied by the Central Prisoners of War Fund will be commandeered for the purposes of the Royal Air Force, and whether, having regard to the fact that these buildings are urgently needed for private purposes, he will take immediate steps to prevent such action on the part of the Royal Air Force, and to find quarters of a less extravagant character and less harmful to public interests?
36. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. HOPEasked whether the block of buildings at 4, Thurloe Place, South Kensington, recently occupied by the Central Prisoners of War Committee, was offered for sale by tender in January last, and the tender of an Army officer, crippled in the War, was accepted on 15th February, 1919, under 1325 the authority of the Government; whether the building has since been commandeered by the Air Force; and if, in view of these facts, the First Commissioner of Works will consider the justice of surrendering the premises?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)These premises being accommodation for the Royal Air Force, the matter is one for the Secretary of State for Air, to whom these questions should be addressed.
Sir J. HOPEDoes the right hon. Gentleman exercise no control over the commandeering of houses in London?
§ Sir A. MONDThese premises are for military purposes, and not for civil accommodation. They were commandeered by the War Office, and the matter has nothing to do with my Department in any way.
§ General CROFTWas the right hon. Gentleman consulted when the Prisoners of War Department moved into this building?
§ Sir A. MONDNo, Sir; the War Office commandeered the premises.