§ 1. Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether officials of his Department have met recently the Governors of the Walcot Educational Trust.
§ Mr. GryllsIs the hon. Lady aware that if she or her officials meet the Governors of the Walcot Educational Trust the Governors will say that they do not wish to see the valuable social work done by the Lady Margaret Hall Settlement jeopardised by its being turned into a bail hostel, which they think would be entirely unsuitable? As the trust is the landlord, will the hon. Lady consult it before a final decision is taken, and undertake not to take such a decision 1786 unless she is satisfied that all the legal obstacles have been removed?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe have advised the settlement that its solicitors should clarify the situation with the trust's solicitors. They will be doing that. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall not approve use of the premises as a bail hostel unless we are satisfied that there is no legal impediment.
§ Mr. LiptonIs my hon. Friend aware that behind the Question lies a campaign to create a snob preserve in Lambeth for the benefit of Tory MPs living in that area?
§ Dr. SummerskillI cannot say that I was not aware of that, but it is not the primary consideration in the mind of the Home Office.