59. Mrs. Adamsonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of local authorities and the general public at the location North of the Thames of the War-Damage Commission South-East London Regional Office, and of the inconvenience in travel and loss of time to those affected; and if he will take immediate steps to transfer the office to a site within its own area readily accessible to the population for inquiries, interviews and negotiation of claims?
§ Captain CrookshankWhile it is true that certain local authorities have represented that the Commission's London Regional office for the South-East area should be moved so as to be within that area, there is no evidence to support the suggestion that the situation of the office causes general inconvenience to the public. Every effort was made to secure suitable premises within the area in order to avoid offence to local susceptibilities, but without success. Removal of the office at the present time would cause undesirable delay and disorganisation in dealing with claims even if suitable alternative premises could now be obtained.
Mrs. AdamsonIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it takes two hours to travel from some parts of the district to the office, and that people do not want to lose the time or the money involved?
§ Captain CrookshankIt would take time if it was necessary to go to the office, but there is no need for people to attend personally.