HC Deb 26 November 1946 vol 430 cc1414-5
57. Mr. Dumpleton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now give an indication when the Departments at Llandudno will be able to return to London, so that the civil servants concerned can return to their homes.

63. Captain John Crowder

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made with the arrangements to move the staff of the Surtax branch of the Inland Revenue back to the London area from Llandudno.

65. Brigadier Head

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that when Civil Service Departments were evacuated from London to Llandudno and elsewhere a Government pledge was given that when hostilities ceased they would be returned to London; that this promise was officially renewed on 21st June, 1946; that these civil servants have been away for more than seven years; and if he will now give an assurance that they will be transferred home at an early date.

68. Mr. Gammans

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants who were sent to Llandudno from London at the beginning of the war are still there; and if, in view of the fact that many of them have been separated from their families for over seven years, he will now arrange for them to be brought back to London.

Mr. Dalton

I have great sympathy for the personal hardships to which these Questions refer. The evacuated staff still at Llandudno number about 1,700. No pledge was given that the staff would return to London as soon as hostilities ceased, but I am anxious to move them from Llandudno. Some have already returned to London and, as I announced last month, the Estate Duty Office is moving to Harrow as soon as possible, and the Departmental Claims Branch to Cardiff. This last move has already begun.

Mr. Gammans

As more and more people are compelled to be Government servants, does not the Chancellor feel that the Government ought to set an example and treat their employees more considerately?

Mr. Dalton

Entry into the Government service, so far as I know, is still voluntary. I have already explained that we are anxious to make provision as soon as possible for liberating the quarters occupied by the staff at Llandudno and moving them somewhere more convenient, but there is very great congestion in London at present, both for Government staffs and for other purposes.

Captain Crowder

Will the Chancellor bear in mind that many of these employees could go back to their own homes, and therefore would not want extra accommodation? Can he say what is the position with regard to the Surtax branch?

Mr. Dalton

It is a question of the place of work, as I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciates, and of finding suitable office accommodation. We are endeavouring to do that. I have the whole matter much in mind and am seeking to deal with it as expeditiously as possible.