§ 25. Mr. KELLYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether it is intended to acquire land at Earl's Court, London, for the purpose of erecting an exhibition building; if so, will he say when plans were prepared for such building; has any estimate of the cost been made; and will it be laid before Parliament?
§ Mr. HACKINGI have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative. I understand, however, that the Underground Railway Company contemplate erecting an exhibition building on the Earl's Court site, and should this scheme materialise, my Department will discuss with the company the possibility of the annual British Industries Fair being held in the new building.
§ Mr. KELLYDoes that mean that the Government will have any financial responsibility with regard to this building, while it remains in the possession of the railway company?
§ Mr. HACKINGNo, the Government will have no financial responsibility for the building.
§ Mr. LUNNWould it not be more economical for the Government to purchase a site and erect a building which would be under their control, than to be continually paying these large sums for buildings which are necessary for sometimes useful exhibitions?
§ Mr. HACKINGI do not think that that can arise. It is a very interesting subject, which I would like to discuss with my hon. Friend at some time.