§ 61. Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the First Commissioner of Works the total cost per annum of the hiring or leasing of accommodation for the housing of Government Departments in the London area?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe total rental paid out of Office of Works Votes for housing Government Departments in the London area is £416,000 per annum.
§ Mr. BROWNIn view of the magnitude of that expenditure, nearly half-a-million a year, does not the First Commissioner think that the interests of economy as well as of efficiency would be served by a much more extensive programme of building as distinct from renting from private owners?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI shall be very glad if the House will help me in the interests of economy by passing the very short Bill I hope to introduce shortly.