HC Deb 23 April 1934 vol 288 cc1370-1
13. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now say what is the total expenditure in sterling already incurred in the erection of the new League of Nations buildings at Geneva; what proportion of this amount has been provided by Great Britain; what is the estimated sum required to complete the buildings; whether the foundation stone of the buildings has been removed from the position in which it was originally laid; and where is it now placed?

Sir J. SIMON

The total expenditure incurred up to the 31st March, 1934, in the erection of the new League of Nations buildings at Geneva is 11,228,736 Swiss francs, of which the share of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom is approximately 10 per cent. The estimated sum required to complete the buildings is 14,348,415 Swiss francs. Of this sum I am informed that the League had in hand at the end of March last approximately 7,418,000 francs and that it expects to receive a further sum of 4,000,000 francs representing the guaranteed sale price of the buildings at present occupied by the Secretariat. Therefore, approximately 3,000,000 francs will be needed to complete the funds necessary to cover the whole cost of the buildings. My hon. Friend will understand that since the payments have been made during a period in which considerable exchange fluctuations have occurred, it is impracticable to convert the above amounts into sterling. I would add that this expenditure refers to the new Secretariat building and to the assembly hall block. No account has been taken of the new library, of which the cost of construction is met out of the Rockefeller grant of two million dollars, and therefore represents no charge upon League funds. As regards the last two parts of the question, I am informed that the foundation stone has been for some time in its permanent position in the sub-structure of the building, where it is now visible and will remain so.

Sir W. DAVISON

Do I understand, then, that the foundation stone was not removed from the original place where it was said to be well and truly laid?

Sir J. SIMON

If my hon. Friend will give me the pleasure of his company when next I go to Geneva, I will point it out to him.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

What proportion of the contracts were placed in this country?

Sir J. SIMON

I am afraid that that is another question.