§ Lieutenant Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the requisitioning of the Central Hall, Westminster, in the absence of a public statement, has outraged the feelings of many members of the Methodist Church; and whether he will explain the circumstances in which this building, which is normally used for Divine worship, has been taken over by the Government.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI am not aware that it has outraged public feeling that this building has been requisitioned for so important a conference as the General Assembly of the United Nations. It was essential that the first part of the First Session of the General Assembly should be held in close proximity to Church House, Westminster, at present housing the Secretariat which has been serving the Preparatory Commission and which will serve the General Assembly. The Government much regret392W the inconvenience caused and is greatly indebted to the Methodist Church authorities for their co-operation in making the hall available for this important purpose.