HL Deb 21 December 1976 vol 378 cc1297-8WA
Lord VAIZEY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In what circumstances and according to what criteria the power in Section 30 of the Greenwich Hospital Act 1865 is exercised, whereby the Admiralty may, with the approval of Her Majesty in Council, make for public purposes free grants of land (not exceeding 2 acres in any one parish) vested in them by virtue of that Act.

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

Grants of land for public purposes under Section 30 of the Greenwich Hospital Act 1865 have been made on only eight occasions. They have principally been in connection with projects for the improvement of public thoroughfares undertaken by local authorities. The criteria for making such grants have been that they should meet a genuine public need and involve Greenwich Hospital in no more than marginal cost in terms of capital or income.