§ 40. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the Commissioners of Crown Lands have allowed Faraday House, Hampton, Middlesex, to remain vacant for many years; and whether he will arrange that the Commissioners should find accommodation there for Mr. J. A. Coe, a servant of the Crown.
Mr. AmoryFaraday House is inconvenient for modern use and has been turned down by the many prospective tenants who have viewed it. Plans for converting it are at an advanced stage, but would be frustrated if accommodation in the house were now provided for Mr. Coe.
§ Mr. Gresham CookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Twickenham Borough Council made this 20-roomed house available to the Commissioners of Crown Lands for housing purposes about six years ago, and that the Council is rather indignant that it has not yet been used for housing purposes? Is he further aware that it considers that the Commissioners should give room in this House to Mr. Coe, whose wife has worked at Hampton Court Palace for the last 25 years?
Mr. AmoryI am aware that Faraday House was handed back by the local authority, and I agree that it is sad that it has remained empty for so long. It may be that we were too hopeful about being able to find a tenant for it. There were long negotiations with the hospital board for its possible use as a hostel, but at the present time plans are now in hand for its conversion into two separate residences, and I hope that they will be successful.