HC Deb 05 March 1963 vol 673 cc177-8
2. Mr. Mapp

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he will transfer the National Assistance Board facilities in Oldham to ground floor premises nearer the centre of the town.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Public Building and Works (Mr. Richard Sharpies)

As it now seems unlikely that we can solve this problem quickly by leasing satisfactory accommodation, we are looking for a site for the erection of a new building.

Mr. Mapp

I appreciate what the Minister says, but will he bear in mind that this office is 29 steps up from the street level, that it is a bus ride out of the middle of Oldham, and that the lavatory accommodation is not what it might be? Does he realise that this is almost intolerable for the Oldham people who have to go there? Will he take advantage of the general redeployment going on in the centre of Oldham so that what he has in mind could be dovetailed into that arrangement?

Mr. Sharples

We realise the difficulties. It is for that reason that we are trying to find a site as soon as we possibly can. As I am sure the hon. Gentleman appreciates, there are difficulties in finding a suitable site.