§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works 246W why a new house is being purchased for the British Ambassador in South Africa; what is the total cost involved; and why the purchase could not be deferred during the current economy campaign.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe South African Government require the present Residence back when the lease expires in 1972. Since no suitable houses for purchase were likely to be available Her Majesty's Government contracted before the announcement of the recent economy measures to purchase a site. The house at present on the site will be used for Embassy staff until required for development, which will not be for some years. Therefore the final cost cannot be estimated at present.