§ 34 Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the estimated cost of the new embassy buildings at Washington?
§ Captain KINGThe approximate estimate of cost for the building is £165,000, but no firm figure can be given until tenders have been received.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs not that amount unnecessarily large in view of the present need for economy; and would it not be better to postpone the erection of this building until such time as the country can afford it?
§ Captain KINGMay I remind the hon. and gallant Member that this was included in the Office of Works Estimates recently passed by the House?
Captain CROOKSHANKMay I ask whether, in view of his statement that this very fine building is to be erected, the Financial Secretary will put copies of the design in the Tea Room or somewhere else so that Members can see them?
§ Captain KINGI will inquire whether that is possible.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it riot a fact that we are getting more for the site of the present Embassy than the new one will cost?
§ Captain KINGThat is so. We are receiving a very satisfactory price for the old site, which more than covers the cost of the new site.