L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 949
of India to purchase the two buildings mentioned in the article, if so, whether the Government of India has taken a decision regarding that,
(c) the value of the buildings at present,
(d) the cost of the buildings to his Majesty’s Government,
(e) the price at which these buildings are offered, and
(f) if the two buildings have only to be pulled down and are not fit for any use ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: (a) Yes.
(b) No. The Government of India themselves have decided to purchase the buildings for housing their officers. The terms of purchase are now under consideration.
(c) No firm figure can be given as the estimates of the present value of the buildings, which depend on several factors, necessarily differ.
(d) Rs. 25,58,000.
(e) Rs. 21,31,667.
(f) The buildings are being occupied by the staff of the Far Eastern Bureau as well as by the Government of India officers and it cannot be said that they arc not fit for any use. They are however temporary buildings and will be demolished when they are no longer required by Government.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : For how many years are they expected to last ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not know. I suppose it might be estimated between 8 to 10 years.
Mr. Sasanka Sekhar Sanyal : Is it voluntary purchase or forced ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Voluntary. Why forced ? If Government need them they have to purchase them.
Mr. Manu Subedar : On what basis is the value fixed ? Is it cost of depreciated value or knock down value ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The value is not fixed. The matter is under negotiation.
Sri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar : How many years of life from the war? 8 to 10 years have already expired?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : They were constructed during the war and I do not know the exact date at the moment.
Shri Mohan Lal Sansena : Will the demand for the purchase of these buildings come before the House ?