HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1033-5
55. Mr. Rippon

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether his attention has been called to the London County Council report, a copy of which is in his possession, about office development in central London; and whether he will consult the London County Council about the action to be taken about the problem which it reveals.

56. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an estimate of the amount of residential property in central London now being used as offices; and whether, in view of the increase in new office accommodation, he will take powers to ensure that, where suitable, these houses, in addition to those with a temporary permission for office use, will revert to residential use.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

Last year, after considering the County of London Development Plan, I asked the London County Council to carry out a survey of actual and proposed office building in central London. The report setting out the results of the survey was published last week.

I regret that the particular information asked for by the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. L. Jeger) is not available; but the report shows that, since 1948, office space for 96,000 workers has been provided in the central area of London, space for another 66,000 is under construction, and planning permissions already given, but not yet acted on, provide for 116,000 more. I have already had a number of discussions with representatives of the County Council about this problem, and I am expecting shortly to receive from them proposals for further action.

Mrs. Jeger

While appreciating the interest which the Minister is taking in this difficult subject, may I ask if he has been able to give any attention to the situation which arises when new office buildings are erected, as they have been in Holborn, and people who are occupying residential properties as offices—often delightful Bloomsbury houses—refuse to move into the new offices because the rents would be much higher, thereby continuing to use much needed residential property for office purposes?

Mr. Sandys

That is one of the problems with which I am trying to grapple. The problem is to restrict the amount of additional office accommodation which is created without having to pay enormous sums in compensation. As I indicated in debate the other day, I have asked the L.C.C. to ensure that when temporary licences for the use of residential property as offices expire they should not be renewed. I have also asked the L.C.C. to make sure that only in very exceptional circumstances shall residential property be allowed to be changed into offices.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these 116,000 people for whom office buildings are being provided will also bring their cars? Will he consult the Minister of Transport to see what accommodation can be made for those cars?

Mr. Sandys

On the question of cars, I am glad to say that the London County Council is being very strict in requiring the provision of car parking space in the office accommodation erected.

Mr. Mitchison

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices to make copies of the L.C.C. report available in the Library?

Mr. Sandys

Yes, I will use my good offices to that effect.