Eaton Hall, Chester

HC Deb 08 April 1959 vol 603 cc189-91

36. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the concern arising from the substantial waste of public money in respect of Eaton Hall, near Chester, which for some time his Department has not been able to use and, in view of the heavy expenditure involved in its maintenance, why it has not been used; and what plans he has for putting it to use or for ending this connection with the 100 room mansion.

38. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the comments of Sir Edmund Compton, Comptroller and Auditor General, that his Department has not yet made up its mind about the future of Eaton Hall, he will now state when a decision is likely to be reached.

40. Mr. Temple

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the future plans for the utilisation by his Department of the property on lease a Eaton Hall, near Chester.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hugh Fraser)

Eaton Hall was used for 11 years as an officer cadet school. It has been unoccupied since the school was disbanded because it has not yet been possible to find a unit of the much smaller all-Regular army of the future to fit into it. This is not a simple problem but my right hon. Friend is anxious to reach the earliest possible decision.

Mr. Dodds

Can the Under-Secretary deny that in 1955 his Department recommended the spending of £ 800,000 on it and that, on being given an undertaking that it would be required even though National Service was ended, the Treasury sanctioned an expenditure of £ 396,600 for a start? Is not this another blunder by his Department? Is he aware that many people are wondering when a beginning is to be made of making examples of those who waste public money? Is not this a case where someone should be sacked?

Mr. Fraser

Of the sum mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, only £ 31,000 was expended. Owing to the change in National Service policy in 1957 the whole question of this building, taken over in 1947 by a right hon. Gentleman opposite, had to be looked at again.

Mr. Temple

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable public concern that the facilities at Eaton Hall are not being utilised? Will he use his best efforts to expedite a solution to this matter?

Mr. Fraser

Yes, of course, we are looking at this matter most seriously.

Mr. Strachey

While appreciating that the abolition of National Service has created a real problem here, may I ask whether the Under-Secretary agrees that the essential thing is to come to a decision and that there is public anxiety about it because there would seem to be failure on the part of the Minister or the Department to make up their mind on the matter?

Mr. Fraser

One problem is that there will have to he extensive improvements and adjustments to this building before it can be used, and therefore we ought to he certain that we are doing the right thing before spending our money.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the reason Eaton Hal was taken over in 1947 was the shortage of accommodation and because of the National Service Acts? Is he aware that it has never been regarded as a satisfactory place for training cadets and will the hon. Gentleman now agree, or advise his right hon. Friend, not to spend any more money on this place because it never will be satisfactory?

Mr. Fraser

I will bear in mind the advice of the right hon. Gentleman.

37. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for War what will be the annual cost of retaining Eaton Hall; what is the extent of the claim for dry rot; how many caretakers and watchmen are employed to look after the mansion; and how many gardeners to tend the grounds.

Mr. H. Fraser

The annual cost of rent, wages and maintenance is estimated at £ 27,000. There is no claim for dry rot repairs but treatment is being carried out at a probable cost of about £15,000. A staff of 34 is employed on the estate.

Mr. Dodds

As this place has not been used for such a long time, will the Under-Secretary explain why 34 persons have to be employed there? What are they doing?

Mr. Fraser

This building has not been used for nearly a year. There is an estate of 900 acres and a very large house and it is not unreasonable that this staff should be kept to maintain the grounds and keep the building in repair.