§ 78. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Agriculture, as representing the Commissioners of Crown Lands, whether he is aware that the Crown leases of the houses of Kensington Palace Gardens contain definite covenants providing that the houses in question shall be used as private dwelling houses only; that the Crown tenant of Harrington House is proposing to transfer his lease to a tenant who intends to use the same for official and business purposes; and whether the Crown will protect the other tenants in the gardens from having their privacy disturbed by the breaking of a covenant which they themselves are severally bound to observe?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)The Commissioners of Crown Lands are aware of the covenants of the Crown leases and have no knowledge of any breach of those covenants committed or in contemplation in the case of Harrington House. No action by them is therefore called for or possible. Their consent to the assignment of the lease is not necessary.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHaving regard to the fact that these gardens are a private road, with the gates locked at night, and that all the tenants have these covenants in their leases, surely the Crown will protect them from having the covenant broken in any case, although there is no direct privity between the tenant and the tenant of the house in question?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs far as I know there is no suggestion that the covenants will be broken. The solicitors for the Crown lessee inform us that the premises are to be used solely as a residence.
§ Sir W. DAVISONThen they will not be used for clerical or official purposes, but only as a private residence?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat is the official reply, and I have no doubt that it is a correct reply.