§ 67. Mr. GILBERTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has recently taken over two blocks of offices in Finsbury Pavement, E. C.; if so, will he state for what Departments they are intended; is he aware that, within a few hundred yards, there stands an empty hotel building in Aldersgate Street and a new block of offices in Finsbury Circus; and will he state why these were not used in preference to buildings in which the usual occupiers are turned out and their established offices and business arrangements all upset?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)A portion only of the offices in Finsbury Pavement has been taken for the casualties branch of the War Office; the hotel referred to is not empty; the pew block of offices in Finsbury Circus is incomplete, but the completed portions were all in occupation when the Finsbury Pavement premises were taken.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMAre the officials who carry out the negotiations and inquiries in connection with the commandeering of these buildings thoroughly acquainted with London building conditions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat hardly arises out of the question.