HC Deb 10 April 1934 vol 288 cc137-8
25. Mr. GEOFFREY PETO

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the decision to sell the site of Westminster Hospital, he will consider the question of selling the adjoining site occupied by the Stationery Office, housing the essential staff and emergency stocks in smaller premises in Westminster and removing the remainder to a less valuable site in the suburbs?

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

It is not possible at present to consider the proposal made by my hon. Friend, as it is regarded as essential that the whole of the staff and stocks of the Stationery Office now housed on this site should remain in the central area of Whitehall.

Mr. PETO

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this is a great chance to dispose of that site to great advantage; and were not this Government returned for economy?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am not sure that my hon. Friend is correct on this matter. Of course, if it were decided to proceed with the new Government buildings in Whitehall, it might be possible to sell this site, but, if that scheme does not go on, I shall want this site.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Was not a new building constructed in South London for the Stationery Office, which has been devoted to other purposes; and was not that a more convenient and economical site for the purpose?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

As I understand it, the building in South London is used for purposes of printing, but it is considered essential that there should be, close to this House and to the main Government Departments, a convenient store and a headquarter staff. Many of those people have to deal with rapid work very frequently, and it is impossible to move it far from this building.