43. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the expenditure involved in the transfer of the Electricity Commissioners to Savoy Court from Gwydyr House, and the use of the last-named premises for the Air Force; and why it was not possible at a time when national economy is vital to avoid this change?
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON (forThe total expenditure involved in the transfer of the Electricity Commissioners from Gwydyr House to Savoy Court and the use of Gwydyr House for the Air Ministry, including the removal of staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, who were also housed in Gwydyr House, is estimated at £7,320. The removal was necessary in the interests of more effective co-ordination between the Air Ministry on the one hand and the other Service departments and the Committee of Imperial Defence on the other. I may add that the transfer of a portion of the staff to Gwydyr House has avoided the necessity of leasing additional accommodation elsewhere and has also enabled the Department to find accommodation in Kingsway for certain branches which had hitherto occupied outside linings.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWould the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government is considering plans for the erection of a gigantic new building to house the Air Ministry in Whitehall Gardens?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThat is quite a different question.