§ 73. Sir F. WISEasked the Minister of Labour if he has carried out, or if he intends to carry out, any of the suggestions put forward by the Report of the Estimates Committee, 1925?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the question put by the hon. Member for York (Sir J. Marriott) on 23rd July, 1925, which indicated the position at that date. Since then arrangements have 366 been made and works are now in progress which will permit of a further concentration of Ministry of Labour staff in close proximity to the headquarters of the Ministry in Whitehall. The practicability of providing alternative sites for certain Exchanges, now housed in main thoroughfares, is under examination between my Department and His Majesty's Office of Works. Obviously, this is a matter that can only be dealt with gradually as opportunities can be found; otherwise, it would be detrimental both to economy and administration. As regards the amalgamation of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" and the "Board of Trade Journal," the position remains as stated in the answer already given. As has already been stated, the voting powers of nations in international labour matters is governed by the Treaty of Versailles.