§ 13. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the drill hall, Penicuik, Midlothian, is at present used as an ex-service men's club; that they have received one month's notice to vacate the hall; that the reason given for such action is that the War Office are exercising their prescriptive rights over the drill hall, which is to be sold as quickly as possible; and will he have inquiries made into this case with a view to having the hall retained for the benefit of ex-service men?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThis drill hall is vested in trustees and does not belong to the War Department. It was at one time used for Territorial Army purposes, and in 1910 in order to extend the accommodation a loan of £200 was made from Army Funds on the security of the property, subject to repayment if at any time the hall was no longer required for the Territorial Army. As this is now the case, it has been decided to call in the mortgage, but if the Trustees have any proposals to make regarding the repayment of the amount due, I shall be prepared to give the matter full consideration.
§ Mr. WESTWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to grant me an interview immediately after Question Time, in order that I may place before him the facts which I have just received?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, certainly.