§ 79. Captain AUSTIN HUDSONasked the First Commissioner of Works if he will give the reasons why it is the Permanent Secretary of his Department who should be directed to visit America with the primary object of dealing with the standard of furnishing of the new Embassy at Washington; and will he state the reasons why the technical officers of his Department are not considered suit- 22 ably qualified to decide on the spot important points relating to the furnishing of the Embassy?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)The matters demanding settlement are of sufficient importance to require the decision of the Permanent Secretary, and of such a nature that a decision could not properly be given without a personal visit. It is impossible to give the technical offcers of the Department the unfettered discretion implied in the second discretion implied in the second part of the question.
§ Captain HUDSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say, roughly, what this trip will cost?
§ Mr. LANSBURYRoughly, about £200.