Captain TERRELLasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of 1064W Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the total amount paid by the Government in rent and rates for premises occupied by any Department in London and in the provinces, respectively, in the last financial year; and by what amount this exceeds the similar expenditure in 1913–14?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Government owns or pays rent for several thousand premises, and makes contributions in aid of rates in respect of such properties. To prepare the computations desired by my hon. and gallant Friend would involve heavy work, and unless very clear reasons be shown for adding to the pressure on the staff of the Office of Works, I trust that I shall not be required to do more than state that rents have not materially increased since last year, although the amount paid in lieu of rates is larger this year than last. In each case, of course, the totals paid largely exceed the outlay of 1913–14. If my hon. and gallant Friend desires details in regard to specific cases I shall be glad to give the necessary information.