HC Deb 30 April 1936 vol 311 cc1090-1
55. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the rateable value of the properties in respect of which it is estimated that the consideration money will be £1,355,500, namely, the properties that are being acquired for the building of the new Government offices in Whitehall, Montagu House, Gwydyr House and annexe, Richmond Terrace and Richmond Mews, 85, Whitehall, and the land in Whitehall Gardens, or, if these properties are not rated, what is the value in respect of which contribution in lieu of rates is calculated?

Mr. ELLIOT

The total estimated consideration money referred to in the Financial Memorandum to the Crown Lands Bill (including consideration money for the site for the Metropolitan Police) is £1,315,000. I understand that the rateable values, and the values in respect of which a contribution in lieu of rates is calculated, of the existing premises on the land, together amount to £20,308.

Mr. THORNE

Is the land in question to be freehold?

Mr. HARDIE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what conditions, apart from those stated in the answer—conditions in regard to tenure or anything else—are retained by those who claim the ownership of the land?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am afraid that if hon. Members require further information I must ask them to put down further questions, when I will do my best to get it.