§ 2. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Works how much is being spent to provide a separate entrance to the offices of the British Council in the Government premises at New Oxford Street, London; and how long these alterations will take to complete.
§ Mr. EcclesThirty-five pounds were spent on removing bricks from the back entrance of these premises in order to comply with fire regulations and make an opening wide enough to take in display stands. The work was done in four days. Similar work is desirable to provide better access at the front entrance and may be undertaken if conditions permit.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonDoes that answer mean that the Minister has not yet made up his mind to carry out the additional work in the front? Is there any reason why the staff of the British Council cannot use the same entrance as other inhabitants of this building?
§ Mr. EcclesIt is desirable to do this work and also to provide better access for these inhabitants and better escape in case of fire. As it costs money, I have not yet made up my mind.