HC Deb 07 May 1919 vol 115 cc953-4W
Viscount WOLMER

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is intended to retain permanently the premises of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in Northumberland Avenue, which were occupied by the Government in August, 1916; and whether, in view of the fact that the society is now working at a disadvantage in five distinct and distant buildings, instead of conducting its business under one roof, and has various options for leases of substituted premises, he will come to an early decision in the matter?

Sir ALFRED MOND

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part, a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Viscount WOLMER

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge has been adequately compensated, for loss directly connected with its removal from Northumberland Avenue and on a scale as favourable as that accorded to business houses carried on for private and personal profits?

Sir A. MOND

The compensation awarded to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge was determined by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission after a full and impartial inquiry into the whole of the circumstances.

Viscount WOLMER

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, having undergone a second removal of its offices and book depot in July, 1918, owing to Government occupation of its substituted premises in the Haymarket, will receive, in the matter of opportunity for return to its own premises in Northumberland Avenue, consideration at least equally favourable to that given by His Majesty's Office of Works to the hotels and club in the same neighbourhood; and, if not, whether he can state the reasons why an equality of treatment has not been observed?

Sir A. MOND

The national interest alone is the determining factor in deciding which premises shall be released, and in my opinion, and in the opinion of the War Cabinet, hotels were to be the first premises to be released. The only club which has been released is the Constitutional, and this was done in order to allow of the early evacuation of the Hotel Cecil.