§ 29. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Works when premises at 17–21, Claremont Road, Surbiton, were first taken over by the Ministry of National Insurance; for what purpose; what was the value of the work done to these premises on behalf of the Ministry of National Insurance; what is the rent now paid; and for what purpose they are now used.
§ Mr. StokesThese premises were taken over by my Ministry on 12th November, 1947, and adapted at a cost of £2,169 for the use of the Ministry of National Insurance as a local office. It is not the practice to disclose rents paid for premises by the Ministry. The premises were derequisitioned on 18th January, 1951.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman say how long the Ministry of National Insurance were in occupation?
§ Mr. StokesI think about two years, but I am not quite sure.
§ Mr. HarrisonCan my right hon. Friend tell us whether, when he derequisitions this sort of property, he gives the local authority the first chance of purchasing it?
§ Mr. StokesI do not know, Sir.