HC Deb 13 February 1951 vol 484 c172
3. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Works why additional buildings for the Foreign Office are to be constructed.

Mr. Stokes

The existing building in Downing Street, which was adequate for the purpose of the Foreign Office in 1868, when the staff was approximately 150, and the annual intake of despatches was 26,000, is not adequate now when the staff is approximately 2,500, and the annual intake of despatches is 569,000. The Foreign Office is at present accommodated in six buildings, and this makes the conduct of business difficult.

Sir H. Williams

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the more despatches despatched, the greater the risk of war?

Mr. Stokes

No. This is an intake of despatches.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the space for the Foreign Office would be greatly increased if fewer despatches came in and more time were given to their consideration?

Mr. Stokes

It is rather difficult to refuse to receive them.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend to his colleagues at the Foreign Office that they should take over the enormous building at present occupied by the Ministry of Civil Aviation?