§ 14. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for War how long the Territorial Centre in King's Avenue, S.W.4, has been vacant; and when it will be reoccupied.
§ Mr. SoamesThe centre has been vacant for four years. It is to be reoccupied this year.
§ Mr. LiptonIs not this a deplorable example of Government waste and bungling? Is the Minister aware that, according to a letter which I have had from the War Office, the centre might not be needed for another year or two? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these premises could have been leased or let for some quite useful purpose, instead of their being allowed to stand idle for such a long time?
§ Mr. SoamesIt is a question of the size of the Territorial Army, which has been built up over the years. We did not need the centre some years back but we knew that it would be needed. We could not tell the exact year, but this is the year in which it will be occupied.