§ 5. Mr. Selwyn Lloydasked the Minister of Works how much has been spent by His Majesty's Government since 1st October, 1946, in buying property in the United States of America for offices and other accommodation; and how much has been spent since that date in reconstruction and redecoration of British Government property in the United States of America.
§ Mr. StokesSince 1st October, 1946, the only property bought in the U.S.A. by His Majesty's Government was the residence for the Minister at Washington, 927 which cost £18,859. About £31,200 has been spent on reconstruction and redecoration.
§ 6. Mr. Selwyn Lloydasked the Minister of Works how much was spent out of public funds in renting property in the United States of America for office or other uses during 1938 and 1949 respectively.
§ Mr. StokesThe amount spent by my Department and the Foreign Office in renting property in the United States of America for office or other uses was £21,000 in 1938 and £258,000 in 1949. These figures include residential rent allowances paid to members of the Foreign Service. I have no information about rents paid by other Government Departments.
§ Mr. LloydDoes the right hon. Gentleman have any responsibility for the increased demand, or is he simply responsible for furnishing the premises?
§ Mr. StokesOn the question of how many people are to be accommodated, that is a matter for the Foreign Secretary, to whom the question should be addressed.