§ 19. Major Sir B. FALLEasked the Secretary of State for War if the old headquarters house of the Portsmouth command in High Street. has been vacated and at what date; if it has been let, and for what amount; if Government House has been or is being converted into Government offices, and at what cost; why this change has been made; if he can give the contemplated saving over the old arrangement; if new buildings are being erected near Government House for the ordnance department and at Lumps Fort for officers' quarters; and if he can give the pre-War strength of the garrison at Portsmouth and the present. strength?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe old headquarters house in High Street was formally handed over to the Royal Engineers for sale or letting on the 17th instant: it has not yet been disposed of, and until it is, I am unable to state the amount of the saving which will accrue from the new arrangements. The cost of converting Government House offices was £426. No new buildings for the ordnance department are being erected near Government House, nor for officers' quarters at Lumps Fort, but two existing huts at the latter place are being converted with a view to their being let to married officers. The pre-War strength of the garrison of Portsmouth was 2,431, all ranks, and the present strength is 1,487.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI have said two existing huts are being converted with a view to them being used as married quarters.
§ Sir B. FALLEBut is there not a new building being put up?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo new buildings for the Ordnance Department are being erected near Government House.
§ Sir B. FALLEThen what is the new building that is being put up there?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down another question, and if there is such a building being put up, I will tell him.