§ 34. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress he is making with the allocation of Government-owned offices in Central London as between Ministries; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellishThe new offices now under construction in Horseferry Road have been allocated to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Ministry of Transport. This will occasion some re-allocation of space in other buildings, including some that are Government owned, but plans for all the moves involved are not yet settled.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkIf it is the Government's policy to disperse the Civil Service out of London and reduce the traffic flow, why is the right hon. Gentleman moving the colossus of the Ministry of Transport into central London rather than out of it? What will happen to St. Christopher House?
§ Mr. MellishSt. Christopher House will be used by other civil servants. I am not sure of the position concerning the Ministry of Transport, but I understand that it was an advantage to have both these Ministries together as both of them are concerned with environmental planning.
§ Mr. PavittWhen does my right hon. Friend expect this building to be completed?
§ Mr. MellishWhen the workmen move off the site. There have been some delays of which my hon. Friend will be aware. I am glad that all now seems to be well. We had better not start giving any more target dates.