§ Sir S. HOAREasked the Secretary of State for War and Air upon what tenure Burton Court, Chelsea, is held by the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital; and whether they are subject to any conditions as to the disposal of the site?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLBurton Court was purchased from Lord Cheyne in 1687 to form the forecourt and main entrance to the Royal Hospital out of funds provided for its erection and maintenance. In 1875 Burton Court, together with such other of the lands and premises of the Royal Hospital as were then under the management of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, was conveyed by the Chelsea Hospital Lands Act (38 and 39 Vict.) to the Commissioners of the Royal Hospital, in trust, for the benefit of the Hospital and for the purposes of the institution. The Commissioners have no power to sell or exchange any of the lands so conveyed, but there is nothing in the Act to prevent the Commissioners from granting beneficial leases of such lands, the rents for such leases being applied for the benefit of the hospital and for the purposes of the institution.
§ Sir S. HOAREasked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware of the strong feeling that has been excited by the continued occupation of Burton Court, Chelsea, by the Ministry of Pensions, and whether he will use his influence with the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital to induce them to terminate at once the lease with the Office of Works?
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§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital have felt themselves precluded from assenting to the grant of a lease of Burton Court, but are in negotiation with His Majesty's Office of Works in regard to a limited extension of the period during which the temporary buildings are to be occupied by the Ministry of Pensions.