41. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Works his policy with regard to the purchase in the United States of America of premises for use by British consuls as offices or residences as against taking such premises on lease.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. Patrick Buchan-Hepburn)My policy is to buy office or residential accommodation in the United States only where there would be clear financial or other advantage in doing so. It is not considered that at many of the posts in the United States the purchase of property would be financially attractive; but in some cases it would be advantageous. We already own property at two consular posts. The purchase of other houses is under consideration.
Mr. VaneWill my right hon. Friend look at this matter again? Is he aware that the British residents in the United States are under the impression that successive Governments have been penny wise and pound foolish in rejecting the purchase of suitable properties and preferring expensive leaseholds instead?
§ Mr. Buchan-HepburnThe matter has been very carefully looked at. As I say, the purchase of houses in cases where it would be advantageous to buy is under consideration, but it is not always advantageous to buy.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodOught not the real criterion in every case to be the suitability of the premises rather than whether they happen to be for sale or to let? Will the Minister not look again into the very important point raised by his hon. Friend?