§ 40. Mr. HINDSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the office of the Live-stock Commissioner for the No. 8 Area is to be removed from Carmarthen to Cardiff; whether a considerable sum of money has been expended upon the existing premises at Carmarthen; whether he has received numerous communications protesting against the proposed change; and whether, in view of the fact that Carmarthen is the most convenient centre for the counties comprised within the producing area, he will reconsider the decision and retain the office at Carmarthen?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Meat Distribution Committee for South Wales sits at Cardiff, which is the chief industrial centre of the area, two-thirds of the population living within a radius of 30 miles. It is important that the Commissioner should be in close touch with this Committee, and it is accordingly proposed to transfer his office to Cardiff, where he will be housed in the same building as the Divisional Food Commissioner. It is not the case that considerable sums have been spent upon the 1115 existing premises, nor has the Food Controller received numerous protests against the proposed change.
§ Mr. HINDSArising from the answer given by the hon. Gentleman, may I ask why these reasons were not considered before commandeering the premises and organising a staff at Carmarthen; is it not a fact that the premises at Carmarthen are low in rental, whilst an expensive hotel is taken at Cardiff; and as to the geographical position, is it not far better for the duties of the Commissioner to be retained in the producing area?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe change has been dictated by experience. We cannot claim, any more than others, to think of all things beforehand. Very little expense has been incurred as a result of this proposed removal.