§ 12. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence how long it is since Minley Manor was vacated by the Staff College; what has been the annual cost to public funds of maintaining the property since then; for what purpose it is now being used; and what plans he has for its future use.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Dr. David Owen)The Army Staff College moved out of Minley Manor in August last year and it has since been under care and maintenance at a cost of £7,174 to date. Future plans for the building remain at present as stated in the 1966 Defence White Paper.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsIs not this disgraceful? The house has been on the hands of the Ministry for over a year standing empty. Is there just one officer stationed in this enormous place? What does the hon. Gentleman think he is going to do with it? Surely the Ministry cannot go on paying this cost.
§ Dr. OwenMoney is spent on such items as the minimum of heating and ventilation in order to prevent deterioration and on keeping the garden tidy and cultivated. It would be a false economy to do less.