§ 9. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Pensions what will be the total cost of the new pensions offices at Acton; how many of the staff have already been installed; and when it is expected that the building will be completed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. GILMOUR (for the First Commissioner of Works)The total cost of the temporary huts was £25,000, and the estimated cost of the permanent building is £482,000. The number of staff in occupation of the former is 840, and of the completed portion of the latter 793. It is anticipated that the new building will be wholly completed by the end of the present financial year.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHas there not been considerable delay compared with the original date suggested for the completion of this building? Have any arrangements been made to convey the very large staff, about 6,000, to and from this building, seeing that no tube or railway is in the vicinity?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not know as to delay. In the case of all these buildings, there has been delay, because of the difficulty of obtaining materials and labour. As to the conveyance of the staff, I cannot answer the question without notice.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn view of the enormous sum of money which is being spent on this building, can the hon. and gallant Gentleman state what saving is being effected by vacating buildings now in occupation?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI could not do that without notice, but there is bound to be a saving in rental.
§ Colonel ASHLEYCould the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the saving effected represents the interest on the money being expended on the new building?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member had better put that question down.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that there will be a considerable 570 amelioration of health caused by the removal to Acton?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no doubt that will be the case.