§ Major LANE-FOXasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the block of buildings at 4, Thurloe Place, South Kensington, recently occupied by the Central Prisoners of War Committee, was offered for sale by tender in January last, and the tender of an Army officer, crippled in the War, was accepted on 15th February, 1919, under the authority of the Government; whether the building has since been commandeered by the Air Force; and if, in view of these facts, the premises can be released by his Department and handed over to the officer who has purchased them?
§ Major-General SEELYThe answer to the first question is in the affirmative. When the offer to sell by tender was made it was expressly stated that the premises were at the time in occupation by the War Office under the Defence of the Realm Acts. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, tenure under these Acts may last up to a maximum period of five years after the duration of the War. At the time of the sale the premises were in occupation by the Central Prisoners of War organisation, and, when vacated by them, were taken over by the Royal Air Force by arrangement with His Majesty's Office of Works in order to release hotel1804W property in accordance with the general policy of His Majesty's Government. Unless and until suitable accommodation at a less cost to the public can be made available, I am not prepared to take any action, and I see no ground on which the officer referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend can claim to have a grievance.