§ Sir HERBERT NIELDasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will supplement his information as to the continued occupation of 26, Albemarle Street, by stating whether the premises have been listed for vacating for some time past; whether he is aware that the premises, consisting of five floors, each floor affording accommodation for twenty-five persons, 1321W command a present rental of £1,750 per annum for what is termed a season trade, and that the non-acceptance by the owner of an offer actually received of the rent mentioned conditional on immediate possession being given connotes that the premises will, if not speedily relinquished by the Government, probably not be let until this time next year; whether he has considered the utilisation of the premises in Downing Street vacated by the Home Office, Permit Department, at the end of last month to relieve the Treasury of the cost of the continued retention of the premises in Albemarle Street; and if he will state the personnel of the staff of thirty-one at present in occupation of 26, Albemarle Street, and the feasibility of accommodating the same upon premises commanding one-fourth of the rental value of those at present occupied?
§ Sir ALFRED MOND26, Albemarle Street, has not been listed for vacating, though every effort, of course, is being made to release premises of this kind from Government occupation as soon as possible. I have been informed that an offer has been received for these premises subject to immediate possession, but cannot admit the contention of the hon. Member that in the event of this offer not being accepted the premises could not be1322W let, if released in the meantime, until this time next year. The premises vacated by the Home Office, Permit Department, cannot be utilised for accommodating the staff at present at 26, Albemarle Street, as they are required for other urgent Government purposes. Questions regarding the personnel of the staff should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War. As regards the last part of the question, it is not at present advisable to accommodate the staff elsewhere.