STAFFORD HOUSE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 7, 3 January 1913, Page 3

STAFFORD HOUSE.

THE OFFER TO THE NATION. London, January 1. In the House of Commons, Mr Asquith, in reply to a question, stated that Sir William Lever had offered Stafford House to the nation on certain conditions which the Government were considering. Mr W. Moore (Unionist) asked whether Mr Asquith would say how much the Government was giving to Sir W'm. Lever by way) of concessions in West Africa. Mr Asquitli remarked that the question was an improper one. Stafford House is one of the most magnificent private residences in the world, and has from the first belonged to the Dukes of Sutherland. The present Duke is a man of simple tastes, and much interested in the promotion of special settlements in Canada, so that he and his family came to look upon Stafford House as a mansion in every way beyond their requirements. Sir William Lever gave an immense sum for it, and it was rumoured at the time that he would/offer it to the nation. Another suggestion was that it should be used as the residence of the Prime Minister, the Downing street house not being large enough for receptions and official hospitality.