§ 31. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the First Commissioner of Works if negotiations are proceeding in connection with the commandeering of an office building in Manchester belonging to the Provincial Insurance Company; whether he is aware of the fact that this firm has already had one building in Manchester taken over by the Government; and, seeing that the work for which this building is required can be equally well carried out from London, whether the whole matter can be reconsidered?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)The requirements of the Ministry of Munitions in Manchester necessitate the commandeering of three rooms now occupied by the Provincial Insurance Company in a building belonging to the company, the remainder of which is already occupied by the Ministry of Munitions. I have no 903 knowledge of any other building in Manchester belonging to this company which has been commandeered by the Government. I am assured that it is quite impossible for the work, for which the accommodation is required, to be done from London.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMDo I understand they will have only three rooms in addition to what they have already?
§ Sir A. MONDYes.