HC Deb 07 March 1966 vol 725 cc1707-8
34. Mr. John Smith

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many square feet of office space is occupied in the City of Westminster by Government and other official bodies for which Her Majesty's Government have responsibility; and what is the average rent per square foot paid for such of this space as is rented.

Mr. C. Pannell

A total of about 6 million sq. ft. of office space. The average rent for the leased accommodation is about 23s. sq. ft. The Post Office is excluded from these figures.

Mr. Smith

Would it not be better for both the taxpayer and the ratepayer if some of these bodies could be moved out of central London and the premises put to economic use?

Mr. Pannell

I happen to believe that Government offices are put to economic use. It is usually very much better to use Crown offices than to use leased accommodation, which is much more expensive. If one takes into account the number of civil servants, one can see that we are better off doing it this way.

Mr. Channon

Is it not Government policy to move Government Departments out of London wherever possible? Has not this been the continuing policy? Does it not remain so?

Mr. Pannell

I so much agree with the hon. Gentleman that I do not have to contradict him.