British Joint Services Mission (Residence)

HC Deb 29 May 1957 vol 571 cc403-4

43. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Defence what was the cost in dollars of the residence acquired for the chief of the British Joint Services Mission in the United States of America.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

An offer of $115,000, equivalent to about £40,000, has been made subject to survey and contract.

Mr. Hamilton

Does not the Minister realise that this figure has given cause for some concern in the Press and elsewhere? Does he not agree, in view of the functions of this individual, that it is rather extravagant?

Mr. Sandys

As far as I know, this is the first time that the figure has been announced.