HC Deb 21 November 1946 vol 430 c1021
71. Mr. Sidney Marshall

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the remaining Inland Revenue staffs at Llandudno are likely to be allowed to return to London at an early date.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Whiteley)

I have been asked to reply. The Estate Duty Office will move to Harrow as soon as the accommodation is ready. I am not in a position to say when it will be possible to move the remainder of the staff.

Mr. Marshall

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that might be accomplished in the early part of next year?

Mr. Whiteley

Yes, Sir. As a matter of fact the reconversion is going on now and it is hoped that in the early part of next year these people will be able to occupy the building.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is the Minister aware that the hon. Member for East Ealing is receiving a considerable number of letters on this point, and will he make a statement so soon as possible intimating when these people can really expect to return to their homes in London?

Mr. Whiteley

There is no delay in this matter. The reconversion is proceeding as rapidly as possible, and as soon as it is completed the people concerned can return.

Mr. Nicholson

Is the Minister aware that the feeling among these people is that pledges have been broken? Is he further aware that the delay entails very grave interruption in family life and is imposing a hardship out of all proportion to the hardships imposed on other sections of the civilian population?

Mr. Whiteley

It is for those reasons that we are hurrying this matter forward as quickly as possible.