Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 15 July 1947.
Sir Allan Noble
, Chelsea
12:00,
15 July 1947
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether he will make a statement about the position regarding the acquisition of Trafalgar House from the Nelson family for some public purpose.
Mr Hugh Dalton
, Bishop Auckland
As I told the House on 3rd December, 1946, I invited my noble Friend, the First Lord of the Admiralty, to consider whether Trafalgar House might not be used for some naval purposes. He has informed me with regret that he has not been able to make such an arrangement. The trustees are, therefore, free to dispose of the house in whatever way they wish.
Sir Allan Noble
, Chelsea
Could the Chancellor say whether consideration has been given to acquiring this house without all the land?
Mr Hugh Dalton
, Bishop Auckland
I am disappointed, as is my noble Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, that we have not yet been able to arrange anything on the lines I have suggested. I will be very glad to look into the matter further. I am most anxious that the house should, if possible, be turned to some public use.
Sir Edward Keeling
, Twickenham
Will the Chancellor consider inviting other Government Departments to see if they cannot use this house, so that it may remain a national possession?
Mr Hugh Dalton
, Bishop Auckland
Yes. I shall be very glad to see what can be done.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
The Chancellor - also known as "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is responsible as a Minister for the treasury, and for the country's economy. For Example, the Chancellor set taxes and tax rates. The Chancellor is the only MP allowed to drink Alcohol in the House of Commons; s/he is permitted an alcoholic drink while delivering the budget.
