HC Deb 02 December 1919 vol 122 cc196-7
20. Sir W. H. DAVIES

asked the Secretary of State for War if commercial firms cannot obtain offices with vacant possession in the City of London because many offices in the City are still occupied by the military authorities; and when these offices will be made available for business purposes, either by the termination of the work or by the removal of the staffs to premises outside the radius of a. quarter of a mile of the Bank of England?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am aware of the fact stated in the question, and we are doing our best to find other accommodation. Until this is done I am afraid I cannot name a date by which the offices now occupied will have been given up.

Mr. KILEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great need of office accommodation in the City?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Every effort is being made to vacate these premises. The Office of Works is always pressing the War Office to move to less crowded areas, and I will do everything in my power to facilitate it.

Captain TERRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many offices are at present occupied by the military authorities in the City of London?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.