HC Deb 05 November 1909 vol 12 cc2245-6W
Mr. BELLAIRS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in answer to an unstarred question, he will circulate with the Votes a list of the coastguard stations which are not yet disposed of; whether he can state why this list has been refused to an open-air school for the cure of children suffering from diseases of eyes, heart, throat, and lungs; and whether the stations may be inspected by bonâ fide purchasers?

Mr. McKENNA

I regret that it is not practicable to circulate such a list, as negotiations are proceeding with regard to a number of these stations. Until these negotiations have been concluded it would be premature to make such a list or to offer the stations for inspection.

Mr. BELLAIRS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether application was made to the Admiralty on behalf of an institution for open-air treatment of children with a view to purchasing a number of coastguard stations; whether he can state what were the terms in regard to rental, repairs, and surrender of leases which the Admiralty put forward; and whether the terms as to repairs were on the principles advocated in the Government's Town Planning Bill?

Mr. McKENNA

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the last part in the affirmative. The terms and conditions are generally to the following effect: The annual rent to be fixed by adding to the ground rent payable by the Admiralty an amount equal to 4 per cent. on the lump sum value of Admiralty interest in the buildings, to be ascertained by valuation. The lessees to maintain the property to the satisfaction of the Admiralty. The Admiralty to have power to resume possession at any time on giving six months' notice without payment of compensation, and in the event of resumption the lessees to restore the property to its original condition if called upon to do so. The lessees to pay rates and taxes, to insure the buildings, and generally to free the Admiralty from all liability under the leases.

Mr. BELLAIRS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many coastguard stations have already been disposed of, and whether this was done after public advertisement of this sale?

Mr. McKENNA

Since the 1st April, 1807, 25 coastguard stations have been disposed of: in six cases the properties were freehold, and in 19 cases leasehold. In the cases of all the freehold properties and in eight of the leasehold the properties were advertised before disposal. In the remainder of the cases the leases had either nearly expired or contained special conditions in favour of the lessor.

Mr. BELLAIRS

asked the names of the coastguard stations awaiting sale or to be let on lease?

Mr. McKENNA

This question has been answered by the reply already given.