HC Deb 16 December 1946 vol 431 cc1585-6
13. Sir William Darling

asked the Minister of Works the rental of 87, Eaton Square, London, F., requisitioned for a civic restaurant; the cost of conversion; the contemplated cost of dilapidations; and how many of the six floors of this house are occupied for the purpose for which it was requisitioned.

Mr. Tomlinson

No. 87, Eaton Square was requisitioned by the London County Council who, I understand, pay a compensation rental of £325 per annum, to which my Department has contributed £125 per annum in respect of four floors which, until recently, were occupied by the W.V.S. I do not know the cost of the adaptations carried out by the Council, but the cost of the work carried out by my Department was approximately £300. I am not in a position to state the probable cost of dilapidations, as a survey has not been made. The basement, ground and first floors are occupied by the restaurant.

Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Fox

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that application was made for an economic rent for this house about six months ago, and that nothing has been done? Is it not a fact that the Minister of Food asked what the cost of conversion would be, to enable him to ascertain what would be a fair price in order to make this house into an economic restaurant?

Mr. Tomlinson

I have no information about either of those statements.