§ 47. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the list of demands for increased accommodation which the First Commissioner of Works has stated he has received from Ministers; and whether the Government will delay the commandeering of any further buildings and the erection of any new temporary buildings on the open spaces of London until the Committee of business men who are to inquire into the staffing of Government offices has made its Report, in view of the fact that these demands for increased accommodation are chiefly due to increases in clerical staff?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. It is impossible to delay the provision of the accommodation stated by responsible Ministers to be necessary for the work of their Departments
§ Captain CARR-GOMMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the universal horror at what has been going on, and the example set to the public; cannot he to 810 some extent reconsider his answer and delay some of the least important increases asked for?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government quite recognise the importance of having this matter gone into, and are taking what steps they can, but meantime my right hon. Friend himself takes care that a good case is made out before increased accommodation is given.