HC Deb 04 June 1919 vol 116 c2062W
Major PRESCOTT

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the Alexandra Palace was purchased for the free use of the public for ever by moneys provided by the surrounding local authorities; whether he will give an assurance that the public will not be deprived of the use of the park and grounds owing to the use of the palace buildings by the Government; whether he can give the estimated total cost of adapting the Alexandra Palace for national service purposes; and whether it is to be evacuated soon by the interned Germans and prisoners of war?

Sir A. MOND

As regards the first part of the question, I cannot say that I am aware of all the circumstances under which the Alexandra Palace was purchased. As regards the second part, I have already expressed the hope that when my Department takes over the building for the housing of Government staffs, the public will be again admitted to the park and grounds. As regards the third part, I am not yet in a position to give an estimated total cost of the adaptation of the premises. As regards the last part, the interned Germans and prisoners of war are now being removed elsewhere.