16 NOVEMBER 1912, Page 19

On Wednesday it was announced that Stafford House had been

bought from the Duke of Sutherland by Sir William H. Lever. It is understood that Sir W. Lever will devote the house to national purposes. It would be impertinent to suggest to a donor who may have a definite scheme already in his bead how he could best serve the nation by means of a present. But if Sir W. Lever has not already come to any decision he might perhaps think it worth while to consider the possibility of letting Stafford House be the official house of the Prime Minister. At present the Prime Minister is often forced to entertain in a Government Department, i.e., at the Foreign Office. This plan would not prevent Stafford House being used for public and philanthropic gatherings, just as tho Mansion House is used.