§ 72. Viscount CURZONasked the First Commissioner of Works why it is not in the public interest for the amount of the rent of the premises in Kingsway occupied by the headquarters of the Air Ministry to be disclosed; and under what Vote they will appear?
§ Sir A. MONDThe publication of the amount of the rent in this case would not only be objected to by the landlord, but would also be likely to prejudice my Department in its negotiations with other owners of property in the neighbourhood. The rent will be included in the Vote for Public Buildings.
Sir F. HALLIs it to be understood that the rent charge is so light that it is inadvisable to make it public?
§ Sir A. MONDAbsolutely
§ Sir A. MONDI have pointed out in my answer. We have secured very favourable terms. We should not be able to go on obtaining favourable terms if the landlord knew that the rent he had fixed was smaller than he might have obtained, and was going to be published here.
§ Mr. BILLINGCan we have the name of the landlord?