HC Deb 01 March 1933 vol 275 cc360-1
25. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDOERBURN

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed immediately with the building of new Government offices in Edinburgh; and whether he can make any statement on this subject?

26. Sir SAMUEL CHAPMAN

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the many suggestions which have been made and discussions which have taken place during the last 10 years as to the advisability of concentrating in one building the numerous Government offices which are scattered all over Edinburgh, and in view of the present low cost of building, he will consult with the Secretary of State for Scotland for the purpose of taking action to effect this improvement in the interests of economy and efficiency?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

The possibility of proceeding with the scheme for centralising Departmental staffs in one building in Edinburgh is at present under consideration by both the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself. As my hon. Friends are no doubt aware, there are certain site and architectural problems which must be resolved, before a decision whether to proceed with the projected scheme can be taken.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURN

Can my right hon. Friend say whether Edinburgh will be given equality and similarity of treatment with Whitehall in any extension or reconstruction of Government offices that may be undertaken; and is he aware that great indignation is caused in Scotland by the delay in the erection of this building?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am agreeably surprised at the last part of my hon. Friend's question. Hitherto the whole matter has been held up by grave differences of opinion as to the site, style, and character of the building to be erected in Edinburgh, which has made the Government very shy of proceeding with it. The other question was, if I may say so, rather hypothetical, as there is no decision as yet to proceed with the Whitehall scheme.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of providing an official residence for the Secretary of State for Scotland in Edinburgh?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. McGOVERN

Have the Department considered any sites at all for these offices in Glasgow?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The answer is in the negative. I understand that Edinburgh is regarded as the administrative capital of Scotland.

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