43. Mr. SANDEMANasked the Minister of Labour what weekly rent he pays for the use of premises in Long Street, Middleton, Lancashire, and also in Milton Street, Middleton, Lancashire?
§ Captain HACKINGI have been asked to reply, on behalf of the First Commissioner of Works, that it is not the practice of the Department to disclose rents paid for individual premises, as such disclosures may prejudice future negotiations.
Mr. SANDEMANIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Long Street premises are used as a, Liberal 'Club and as an Independent Labour Party Club, and that the rents are £108 and £62 10s.?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member seems to know more than the Minister.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe time for giving information is after 3.45, not at Question Time.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINWhat precautions are taken in different parts of the country to see that the lowest possible rent is paid for Employment Exchanges?
§ Captain HACKINGPrecautions are taken to see that the rent is the lowest possible.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs not the rent paid far in excess of the assessment of these premises?
§ Captain HACKINGI am going to give further consideration to this case, as I think there may be something in the question which at present I do not understand. I should like to confer with my hon. Friend.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINBut is it not rather upsetting to find a case of this kind at all?
Mr. SANDEMANIf this is happening in one place, may it not be happening all over the country, and may we not be paying much too much for these premises?