HC Deb 09 November 1921 vol 148 cc402-3
69. Mr. GILBERT

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he can now give any definite dates as to when the temporary buildings will be removed from St. James's Park, the Embankment Gardens, and the Victoria Tower Gardens, adjacent to Lambeth Bridge?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. GILMOUR (for the First Commissioner of Works)

It is hoped that the bulk of the buildings in question will be vacated early in the new year and that demolition will follow immediately.

Sir W. DAVISON

Why cannot this work, which will give very much needed employment to the unemployed, be commenced at once?

Sir J. GILMOUR

For this obvious reason, that the staffs will have to be transferred to other offices.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is no less than 1,000,000 cubic feet of space still occupied by these temporary buildings, and surely that is enough for the War Staff?