§ 73. Sir P. Hannonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the circumstances under which the acquisition of Himley Hall, Worcestershire, took place at the instance of his Department; what were the conditions of sale, the purchase price and if restrictions are to be observed on the future use of the property; and what effort had been made by his Department to secure a suitable headquarters without the imposition of this burden upon the taxpayer.
§ Mr. ShinwellI have no information regarding the purchase of Himley Hall by the National Coal Board, other than that contained in the Press announcement. It is not part of the functions of my Department to provide office accommodation for the National Coal Board, and the cost is not borne by the taxpayer.