§ 19. Sir S. HOAREasked the Pensions Minister if he will state how long it is intended to retain the present buildings of the Ministry of Pensions in Burton Court, Chelsea; and whether he is aware of the feeling of discontent that is now caused by the disfigurement of this site and the loss of this open space in South-West London?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER Of WORKS (Sir A. Mond)I am at present unable to say for what period it will be necessary to retain the temporary buildings erected in Burton Court for the occupation of the Ministry of Pensions. These premises have cost £100,000 to erect, and were urgently required. I have had a few communications complaining of the erection of these buildings on this site, and with these I have every 1109 sympathy, but I think the hon. and gallant Member will agree with me that the efficient conduct of the work of pensions and awards to our gallant fighting forces must be the primary consideration.
§ Sir S. HOARECould not some other equally suitable site be found?
§ Sir A. MONDI am at present engaged in finding additional sites for further accommodation for this Department.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not a fact that in the immediate vicinity there are very many houses with bills on them "to let," and could not some of these be used for this purpose?
§ Sir A. MONDPerhaps the hon. Gentlean is not aware that the staff accommodated in this building is about 3,000, and that it would require a great many houses to accommodate a staff of that size.
§ Colonel ASHLEYAre we to understand that this is a purely temporary measure?
§ Sir A. MONDCertainly. These buildings are temporary buildings, and an undertaking has been given that they shall be removed when a permanent building is erected.