HC Deb 14 July 1947 vol 440 c37
57. Mr. George Jeger

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the permanent location of the Ordnance Survey Department has yet been decided; and what progress has been made in the transference of the staff from Chessington back to Southampton.

Mr. T. Williams

The permanent location of the Ordnance Survey Department has not yet been decided. Since my hon. Friend last made inquiries a small number of evacuated staff have been transferred to Southampton, but the moves already planned may not be completed until the end of next year owing to the shortage of office accommodation.

Mr. Jeger

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the distress, hardship and expense occasioned to the families of the staff still living in Southampton while the staff are mainly resident in lodgings in Surrey?

Mr. Williams

I am aware of this unfortunate fact, and my sympathy is with them. If office accommodation could be found for the staff, no one would be happier than I.