HC Deb 09 November 1964 vol 701 cc659-60
30. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will state the amount in square feet of new office accommodation for Government Departments in the Greater London area under construction or for which contracts have been let.

Miss Lee

Excluding Post Office buildings, there are about 550,000 sq. ft. of Government office buildings under construction, or for which contracts have been let, in the Greater London Council area. In addition, there are about 600,000 sq. ft. being leased in private developments.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

In the light of the statement last week by the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what is the policy of the hon. Lady's Ministry concerning Government offices in future?

Miss Lee

That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. N. Fisher

Is it true that the Minister of Technology has declined to occupy Shell-Mex House, which was always considered quite good enough for Tory Ministers, and has insisted on more luxurious accommodation at Vickers House? If so, what is the cost to the taxpayer of this luxury living for Socialists?

Miss Lee

If the hon. Gentleman has a serious question, I would be obliged if he would put it on the Order Paper.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The hon. Lady's Ministry has the responsibility for the future building of Government offices. She cannot shrug this off on to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Miss Lee

I make it clear that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has responsibility for general policy in regard to office building. The responsibility of my Department is to carry out the allocations.

32. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what action he is taking to curtail the building and reconstruction of Government offices in the Greater London Council area.

Mr. C. Pannell

The policy announced by my right hon. Friend the First Secretary last week is being applied to Government Office buildings, and for the present my Department are not starting any further schemes in the Greater London Council area. I am reviewing the programme to see whether any schemes should be considered for exceptional treatment.