§ Sir K. WOODasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in connection with the proposed rebuilding of Crown property in Regent Street, London, W., he will take such steps as may be possible to ensure that owners of existing established businesses are not unfairly dispossessed of the occupancy of existing premises, and that opportunity will be given them when the rebuilding is completed to become tenants of the new premises?
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§ Major BARNSTONI have been asked to reply. It is, and has been for many years the practice of the Commissioners of Woods to ensure so far as is practicable that owners of existing established businesses are not unfairly dispossessed of the occupancy of existing premises and to provide that on rebuilding the opportunity shall be given to them, so far as practicable, to become tenants on fair terms. My right hon. Friend is sending the hon. Member a print of the most recent, form of tender for building sites. This shows the nature of the provisions usually adopted for the protection of sitting tenants whether the letting is by public tender or by private treaty. The ordinary method of letting is by private treaty to the sitting tenant or to the principal sitting tenant.