§ Mr. GILBERTasked the First Commissioner of Works why he commandeered 1817W the Southwark Public Baths, Manor Place, S.E., last Wednesday without any previous notice to the borough council, who had previously let the building for many evenings; whether he is aware that he has already taken over the other public baths in the borough at Lavington Street, S.E., and that this very crowded district is now left without any public swimming baths during the ensuing summer months; will he state why the New Sessions House at Newington Causeway cannot be used for the same purposes as the Manor Place baths; and whether, in view of the public feeling locally against his action, he will take immediate steps to release these baths for the use of the public at the earliest possible moment?
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§ Sir A. MONDIn reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, previous notice was given to the borough council. Public swimming baths are available, as one swimming bath and the usual slipper baths remain for the public use both at Manor Place and Lavington Street. The New Sessions House at Newington Cause way could not be considered in this connection, as it is necessary to surrender these premises to the London Quarter Sessions for immediate use as a Sessions House in lieu of the very inadequate present accommodation at Clerkenwell. It is quite impossible for the accommodation acquired in the public baths to be surrendered at present, as it is utilised for urgent demobilisation work.