HC Deb 07 November 1949 vol 469 cc864-6
9. Mr. Molson

asked the Minister of Works to what extent the new economies will result in modification of his programme of office building for Government Departments amounting to 2½ million square feet in central London and 3 million square feet in the suburbs.

Mr. Key

This matter is at present under close examination. Considerable modifications in the timing and scope of the programme will be necessary but the details are still being worked out. One result must be a delay in the release of the requisitioned premises which the new offices were designed to replace.

Mr. Molson

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that I have been trying for a very long time to get from him particulars of this programme and always in vain? Will he therefore give some further particulars if I put a Question down at some time that is convenient to him?

Mr. Key

Particulars in regard to this matter are almost impossible to give because it covers almost every town in the country, so far as requisitioned premises are concerned. The London programme cannot be stated without due regard to requisitioned premises in other parts of the country.

Mr. Molson

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question whether he would be prepared to give some further information on the subject in answer to a Parliamentary Question, when he has gone into the matter? In the past he has refused to give me any information, on the ground that it would give civil servants too much work.

Mr. Key

I am prepared to give whatever information it is possible for me to give.

Sir W. Smithers

Would it not be better to stop issuing licences for Government buildings than to stop licences for homes for the people under private enterprise building?

Mr. Key

The hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) is making a very big mistake. The buildings to which he refers are not Government buildings. They are privately owned and leased to the Government. They are not being done at the expense of the taxpayer.

Mr. Marples

Is the Minister not aware that contractors who conduct negotiations with his Department are told that they cannot get licences for private office building unless they are willing to lease the buildings to the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. Key

I am not aware of that, because it is not true.

Mr. Marples

The right hon. Gentleman has said that my statement is not the truth. May I point out that I myself went to the Ministry of Works and that was my own personal experience?

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Mr. Key

There is nothing to withdraw. As a general practice what was said is not true. In particular cases there may be reasons for refusing a licence.