§ 19. Mr. John Hallasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many square feet of office space now occupied by Government Departments are covered by leases expiring not later than 1972.
§ Mr. BoydenIn buildings leased by this Ministry, about 10,000,000 sq. ft.
§ Mr. HallAs all office building in Greater London and the Metropolitan area will come to a virtual standstill over the next seven years, does the hon. Gentleman believe that there is likely to be any great difficulty in rehousing these Departments at the expiration of their leases, except at very considerably increased rents, or is it proposed to move them out of London altogether?
§ Mr. BoydenDispersal is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. As to accommodating Departments, many of the leases no doubt will be renegotiated.
§ Mr. RamsdenWhat steps is the Minister taking for the replacement of this accommodation when it ceases to be available?
§ Mr. BoydenA good deal of Ministry building is going on to provide new 868 building for the Government service as a whole.