HC Deb 06 November 1945 vol 415 cc1058-9
2. Captain Gammans

asked the Minister of Works how many rooms are occupied by his Ministry in Lambeth Bridge House, Cleland House, Westminster, and Dean Stanley House, Westminster; and the total number of staff employed therein.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Tomlinson)

The number of rooms occupied by the Ministry of Works in Lambeth Bridge House and Cleland House, Westminster, is 591. The total number of staff employed therein is 2,027. Dean Stanley House, Westminster, is not in use, but two rooms in Stanley House are occupied by 12 staff.

Captain Gammans

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of the Government setting a good example by vacating some of this property?

Mr. Speaker

That is a matter of opinion.

7. Sir Harold Webbe

asked the Minister of Works how many square feet of office space, at the address in Westminster of which he has been informed, are now under requisition; by what Government Departments they are now occupied; and what was the average number of staff working there during each of the last three months.

Mr. Tomlinson

In the building referred to 230,128 sq. ft. of office space and 16,170 sq. ft. of basement space are held on requisition. The accommodation is mainly occupied by the Ministry of Supply but a part is used by the Petroleum Board and a small area by the Ministry of Fuel and Power. The staffs of the Ministry of Supply and Ministry of Fuel and Power in occupation numbered 1,855 on 1st August, 1,774 on 1st September and 1,794 on 1st October. It is understood that Petroleum Board staffs in the requisitioned space number about 200.

Sir H. Webbe

Is the Minister aware that that density of occupation is grossly lower than is common in many commercial concerns, and will he take steps to prevent this absurd and extravagant waste of space by Government Departments in view of the tremendous need of commercial concerns for that space?

Sir Frank Sanderson

Would it not be more economic to use temporary structures for temporary Government offices, rather than to use buildings which are designed for the general convenience of the public?

Mr. Tomlinson

I should want to look into that. With regard to the first supplementary question, I am looking into the question of space occupied with a view to making Government Departments as uncomfortable as other offices.

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