§ 80. Mr. JARRETTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will withdraw the notices to quit served on the men in the Edgwood Hostel, Belvedere, in view of the fact that building operations are not likely to he commenced upon the site for some considerable time; whether he will extend the period of the tenancy until such time as the land must be surrendered under the Defence of the Realm Regulations: and, if so, whether he will state the period for which such extension of tenancy can he granted?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir John Baird)The land in question is held under the Defence of the Realm Acts and must be surrendered by the 31st August next, but, by agreement, vacant possession was promised as soon after the 31st March as possible. I understand, however, that it will not be practicable to utilise the land for building purposes for some time, and I have, therefore, arranged for the withdrawal of the notices to quit. As my Department will require some three or four weeks in which to make the necessary arrangements for securing complete vacant possession, the latest date to which I am able to extend the occupancy of the hostel is the 31st. July next.