HC Deb 08 March 1916 vol 80 cc1539-40
70. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether the Statutory Committee on Pensions has passed a resolution declaring that they are unable to take steps in many cases where relief is urgently required owing to the lack of office accommodation and staff; and whether he is now in a position to make an announcement as to the immediate provision of adequate accommodation as a necessary preliminary to giving effective operation to the relief which Parliament has decided shall be promptly available for our soldiers and sailors and their dependants?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The only resolution passed by the Statutory Committee with reference to the question of office accommodation and staff is as follows:— That this Committee views with the gravest apprehension the inability of the Office of Works to find adequate and suitable offices. That this Committee considers that the closing of the London Museum offers an opportunity for providing them with such offices on the most economical plan. That the Committee understands ample accommodation is there for both the Foreign Trade Department of the Foreign Office and for the Statutory Committee: that failing such accommodation being provided, they will be compelled immediately to take offices at a rental of possibly not less than £2,000 a year and on a lease which will prevent them from taking advantage of the ample office accommodation which is likely to be available at a cheap rate after the War. Copies of the resolution have been sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the First Commissioner of Works, who, I understand, are giving the matter their consideration.

Sir H. CRAIK

Will any steps be taken in accordance with the Statutory Committee's Resolution for obtaining premises accessible to those concerned? Cannot accommodation be secured in the premises formerly occupied by the London Museum?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

Inquiries are being made, and premises are being visited almost every day, but nothing suitable or adequate has yet been found.

Sir H. CRAIK

What about the premises of the London Museum?