§ 13. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what action he is taking to apply to British embassies, legations and consular offices overseas the standards laid down in the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Bill.
§ Mr. SharplesI believe that the standards observed in these offices compare very favourably with those laid down under the terms of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Bill.
§ Dame Irene WardHas my hon. Friend confirmed that view with the people for whom the Foreign Office is responsible? Is he aware that quite a lot of people employed in the Foreign Office 315 are very interested to know whether the facilities of this Bill are going to be applied to them? Has he made inquiries before giving his answer, or is he giving it off the cuff?
§ Mr. SharplesNo, Sir. I am not giving it off the cuff. I am informed that the standards for Government offices overseas are generally much in excess of the requirements laid down in the Bill. If my hon. Friend has any particular matter that she would like to bring to my notice I shall be glad to look into it.