§ Sir L. WARDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the rateable value of the Soviet Embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens; and whether the rates are paid by the Soviet or by the British Government?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe rateable value of the Soviet Embassy at No. 13, Kensington Palace Gardens, is £1,247. The rates on this residence are paid by the British Government in the first instance, and, subsequently, under an old-standing arrangement applicable to foreign embassies in London, a proportion of these rates (roughly, 36 per cent.) falls to be refunded by the Soviet Government.