66. Lieut.-Colonel Sir VIVIAN HENDERSONasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the need for economy, he proposes to proceed with the scheme to erect a large block of Government buildings on the Montagu House site and land adjoining it?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)Though this scheme would eventually result in considerable economy in the annual cost of housing official staffs in the central London area, in view of the urgent necessity for restricting capital expenditure as far as possible, it is not proposed to proceed with the scheme at present.
§ Mr. BROCKLEBANKCan my right hon. Friend say how much saving there will be?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIf my hon. Friend will put a question as to the rents we pay for housing Government officials and staffs in the central London area, I will get him the figures.
§ Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs my right hon. Friend aware that there were premises at Bromyard Avenue or Acton used for storage of official papers which might have been and might still be used for office accommodation?
§ Mr. HICKSHow many building trade workers will be added to the unemployed as a result of this scheme not going on?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIt is not a case of the work not going on, but of its not starting.