HC Deb 25 July 1949 vol 467 cc1788-9
9. Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions for public and staff which prevail at the County of West Lothian food office at Bathgate; and, in view of the fact that these conditions will not be remedied before July, 1950, whether he will take immediate steps to improve the position, more especially to protect callers at the office from having to queue outside the office in inclement weather.

Mr. Strachey

I am aware of the unsatisfactory accommodation at the Bathgate food office. I have approached the Ministry of Works on the provision of protection for callers until the new food office is ready for use.

Mr. Mathers

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this office brings his own Department into disrepute? Will he not help, through his right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, to expedite the new office and so remove these bad conditions?

Mr. Strachey

We shall do our best, but there is a limit to what I can ask my right hon. Friend to do in this respect. As the new office will be ready next summer we are not justified in spending too much on the old office.

Mr. Mathers

Is my right hon. Friend correct in saying that the new office will be ready for next summer?

Mr. Strachey

I was given the date of July.