§ 54. Major Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether a decision has yet been reached as to the accommodation of all regional offices in one building in a city of which he has been informed; whether his attention has been directed by the local authorities concerned to the large, partly erected premises, proposed as county offices immediately adjoining that city, and upon which further building work has ceased; and whether he will consider the acquisition of those premises and not commence the erection of any new offices with this site standing idle?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)It is not proposed to concentrate all the regional offices in the way suggested; but the possibility of using the half-finished building instead of erecting temporary offices is under consideration with representatives of the county council. No scheme has yet been agreed.
§ Major LyonsMay I take it that there has been no decision reached about these premises? Will my hon. Friend bear in mind at all times the great cost of erecting new offices?
§ Mr. HicksNo decision has been taken yet. Full consultation is taking place with representatives of the county council, and the points made by my hon. and gallant Friend are under consideration.