64. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Air for what purpose the Ministry are arranging to buy Bentley Priory, Stanmore, for the use of the Royal Air Force; how that purpose is now met; and what is the total cost involved in the scheme?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs regards the first part of the question, Bentley Priory is being purchased for use as headquarters of the re-organised Inland Area, Royal Air Force, which is to form in April next. As regards the second part, the existing 450 Inland Area headquarters are at Hilling-don House, Uxbridge, and this accommodation, when vacated, will be used for the Fighting Area headquarters of the Home Defence Force, which is part of the approved Home Defence expansion scheme. As regards the last part of the question, the total cost involved in the acquisition and adaptation of Bentley Priory will be approximately £40,000. I may add that the purchase and adaptation of these premises is the most economical method of providing the accommodation required for these headquarters; to purchase a site and erect new buildings thereon would entail a much heavier out lay.
§ Sir F. WISEWhat is the acreage?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI think it is 41 acres.