HC Deb 19 March 1919 vol 113 cc2083-4
42. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state when the temporary buildings erected for his Department on the Victoria Embankment Gardens will be given up, so that the gardens may be returned to their original use; and will it be possible to give them up so that the public can use these gardens during the coming summer months?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir A. Mond)

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am informed that no material reduction in the number of the staff occupying these buildings is possible in the near future. I am, consequently, unable to comply with the request in the last part of the hon. Member's question.

Colonel ASHLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman point out any Government Department in which any substantial reduction of the staff has taken place recently?

Sir A. MOND

Oh, yes; there are some in that category.