HC Deb 25 April 1918 vol 105 cc1120-1
51. Captain CARR-GOMM

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any Reports have been received from the Committee presided over by Sir John Bradbury; if so, whether these have been communicated without delay to the Cabinet Committee on office accommodation; and whether he is satisfied that there is sufficiently close communication between these two Committees to ensure the most economical supply and use of Government buildings?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Committee has made an interim Report on methods of recruitment of temporary staffs, but it has not yet reported on any question appreciably affecting office accommodation.

Sir F. HALL

Arising out of that reply, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that in a reply given to me on this point he said the Report of Sir John Bradbury would be issued, and can it be expedited in consequence of the enormous amount of extra accommodation that has to be found for these various staffs?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Committee has been constantly engaged since its appointment. As I have said it had submitted an interim Report, but it has not submitted a Report on this point

Captain CARR-GOMM

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that twelve new applications for office buildings have been made on the top of the thirteen which were stated to have been before the Accommodation Committee in February, and does he not think that a very close connection between Sir John Bradbury's Committee and the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation is essential in order to secure economical use?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I agree. The views of Sir John Bradbury's Committee should certainly betaken into account in connection with these buildings, but it is a Committee appointed to report and not to give advice on particular cases.

Sir W. COLLINS

May I ask whether the Report which has been submitted deals also with the question of remuneration?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It deals with the system on which it should be based.