76. Mr. GILBERTasked the First Com missioner of Works for what Department the Victoria Tower Gardens, near Lambeth Bridge, have been partly covered with huts; how many clerks occupy these huts; for what space of time he proposes to retain them; and if it was not possible to obtain other accommodation without utilising this further open space in London?
§ Sir A. MONDThe hutments referred to have been erected for the Ministry of Pensions; the number of staff in occupation is 320. It is impossible at present to say for what space of time it will be necessary to retain them. It would only have been possible to obtain other accommodation for this staff by requisitioning further space in hotels or in premises occupied by business firms.