HC Deb 21 November 1949 vol 470 c32
59. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Works what will be the total cost of the new building in Holborn which has recently been constructed for the use of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Key)

This building was erected by a private developer for lease to my Department. I do not know its cost because comprehensive building licences were issued covering both this and the adjoining office building.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does the right hon. Gentleman really mean to say that he does not know what this building is to cost the Government? When the building is occupied, what is to happen to the building now occupied by the Ministry of Civil Aviation?

Mr. Key

This is not a Government building. I know what the leasing is going to cost the Department, but I was asked about the cost of the building, and, as I have said, that is combined with that of the adjoining building, and I am not in a position to divide the cost between the two buildings.