§ 82. Major MORRISON-BELLasked the First Commissioner of Works when the Horse Guards Parade is to be cleared of its present unsightly encumbrances; and if he will take into consideration the desirability of having it vacant in time for the annual trooping of the Colour on His Majesty's birthday?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLI have already given most careful consideration to the question raised by the hon. and gallant Member and am strongly in sympathy with his views. I regret that I have found it impossible to clear the Horse Guards Parade of the various huts this year, on account of the shortage of accommodation to house existing staffs and the necessity for releasing certain private houses commandeered during the War, and whose owners have for some time been pressing for their surrender. I have, however, given an undertaking that the Horse Guards Parade will be sufficiently cleared of its present incumbrances to enable the Trooping of the Colour on His Majesty's birthday to take place in the year 1921.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not the case that several of these buildings are not required or are unoccupied for a very large part of every day?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLI am given to understand that they are required.
§ Sir H. CRAIKThey are not occupied.