89. Captain TERRELLasked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state what action he is taking, by way of representation or otherwise, to reduce the number of commandeered premises held by the various Government Departments?
§ Sir A. MONDA special staff is engaged upon the question of releasing all requisitioned premises, and continual inquiries are being made to secure that the premises are being adequately utilised. Representations are at once made to the Departments concerned in every case in which a possibility of release arises. The number of premises occupied naturally depends upon the number of the staff employed in each case, and the reductions in staffs have hitherto not been as rapid as was anticipated. As reductions in the staff occupying two or more premises take place, steps are at once taken for amalgamating the remaining staffs in fewer buildings, in order to effect releases, and where that course can be justified even hirings by agreement are effected. I may add that a large number of requisitioned premises have already been released since the date of Armistice.
§ Mr. KILEYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of using the Crystal Palace for the transfer of many of these Departments?
§ Sir A. MONDYes. The Crystal Palace is being used.