HC Deb 05 December 1945 vol 416 c2305
16. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many residences in Gibraltar are provided for the Governor; when each of them was acquired; and how many rooms there are in each such residence.

Mr. George Hall

Two official residences are provided for the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar. The Convent has been the official residence of the Governor since 1728; he has also had a summer residence since the beginning of the 19th century. In 1941, Lord Gort converted the latter into a rest camp for troops and I understand that it will remain military property, and that a new summer residence will be provided to the Governor in exchange. I have no information about the number of rooms in these buildings: but I am calling for a report on the matter generally.

Mr. Pritt

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the War Office spent something like £10,000 on the new residence, while the population of Gibraltar has not even where to lay its head?

Mr. Hall

That is the responsibility of the War Office and not mine.

Squadron-Leader Donner

Is not the Question invidious and uncalled for?

General Sir George Jeffreys

Is not the Minister aware that, until recent times, Government House at Gibraltar was in a very bad state of repair and needed to have a great deal of money spent on it to make it even liveable in?

Mr. Hall

I visited this house quite recently, and I agree that a little more repair is very necessary.