§ 88. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Works what application has been made to his Department for the allocation of labour and materials for purposes connected with the Spanish Centre at Eaton Square, London; and what steps he will take to ensure that no labour or materials are allowed to be used in connection with this project.
§ 89. Mr. Shurmerasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that a 65-roomed building in Eaton Square, London, has been purchased by the Spanish Embassy and is to be fitted up as a club; and what priority has been given for repairing and decorating these premises.
§ Mr. TomlinsonAn application was made to my Department in February, 1946, for a building licence for the conversion of 102, Eaton Square, into a Cultural Institute at a cost of £12,887. This46W application was refused, as the work is not considered essential in present circumstances. A licence for a small amount of emergency work to the drains and to the electrical system has since been issued by the local authority.
§ 91. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Works whether he will take steps to requisition the 65-roomed house in Eaton Square, W.1, which is now being fitted out as a centre of culture and propaganda for the present Spanish Government; and whether he will allocate it to one of the Government Departments in need of space, such as the Import Licensing department of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, Sir. I am satisfied that there would be no justification for requisitioning this property for use as Government offices. In any case the accommodation is far less than suggested in the Question and would not give adequate space for a Government Department.