§ 22. Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to reduce the cost to the taxpayer of the requisitioned hotel near Brighton for a Fire Service college; and if he will subject the present and proposed arrangements to a review by an independent committee of financial and fire brigade experts to be presided over by a prominent K.C. to ensure that the training of the limited number of students at present contemplated is not carried out at undue cost to the public.
§ Mr. EdeSome of the courses at the college have been enlarged from 40 to 60 students and certain minor administrative economies have been made; but I regret that it will not be possible to make any substantial savings until the college moves to its new premises. I hope that it will be found practicable to make the move next spring. I do not think the appointment of an independent committee would serve any useful purpose.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Home Secretary aware that this is another instance of the Government wasting public money by entering into private trading?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. This is not private trading at all. This is merely providing training for the members of the Fire Service.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonWhat will be the cost per student in the new premises?