GOVERNMENT OFFICES (ACCOMMODATION). (Hansard, 11 November 1919)

§ 66. Lieut.-Colonel Sir SAMUEL HOARE
asked the First Commissioner of Works what progress has been made with the scheme for accommodating Government offices in the outer districts of the Metropolitan area?

§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)
Such accommodation is being provided for 10,800 persons at Acton, Earl's Court and the Alexandra Palace, and the works are being proceeded with as rapidly as possible. At Acton sufficient progress has been made to house, almost immediately, about 1,000 persons. The works at Earl's Court are in a very advanced state, and a staff of nearly 400 has already been transferred. Accommodation for 750 persons has already been completed at the Alexandra Palace, and they will be moved in directly the Post Office telephone installation, which is nearly ready, is in working order.

§ Captain R. TERRELL
Is it the fact that a large number of private houses are 244 at present occupied by Government Departments, which could be housed in the outer district?

Mr. SPEAKER
That hardly arises out of the question on the Paper.

§ 69. Sir S. HOARE
asked when it is proposed to remove the temporary buildings at Burton Court, Chelsea, and to restore the site to its former condition?

§ Sir A. MOND
As these buildings are still required for the use of the Ministry of Pensions, and in view of the heavy expenditure which has been incurred in their erection and of the impossibility of finding other accommodation of sufficient size, I regret that it is impossible at present to give any date as to when the buildings will be removed.

§ Sir S. HOARE
In view of the unsatisfactory character of that answer, I give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment on Monday next.

§ 70. Sir S. SCOTT
asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is yet in a position to state a date upon which the St. Marylebone Town Hall will he handed back to the borough council?

§ Sir A. MOND
The removal of the Ministry of Pensions staff from St. Marylebone Town Hall has already been commenced, and will be completed before the end of next week when vacant possession will be given to the St. Marylebone Borough Council.