HC Deb 06 April 1922 vol 152 cc2393-4
2. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is able to give the date when the pensions office at Acton will be completed and fully occupied: what the total number of staff will amount to; and what will have been, approximately, the cost of the building?

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

The building is now practically complete, and will be holding its full complement, a staff of 6,000, by the middle of May. It is difficult to give the cost until the outstanding claims of contractors have been received and examined, but it is expected that the total cost of the scheme, including the cost of the main building and of the hutting and the expenditure on furniture and removals, will not exceed £503,000.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

As this is probably the largest office in the world, and in many ways the most complete, is it intended there should be a formal opening of it?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir; not that I am aware of.