§ 16. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of future demands for new offices, and of surplus or deficiency in the supply already planned.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNone, Sir. Any estimate on a national scale would largely depend on factors which are difficult to predict.
§ Mr. AtkinsIs there not a great need for such an estimate in view of the excess supply of office blocks in so many towns—Birmingham, Liverpool, and even Plymouth; and The Guardian today has a note about Newcastle-upon-Tyne? In view of the waste of national resources, should not such an estimate be made and any surplus be devoted to the housing programme?
§ Mr. RobinsonThis is primarily a matter for local planning authorities. The Government's policy is to seek a wider distribution of office employment throughout the country. If my hon. Friend has a particular place in mind where he thinks there is an excess of office accommodation, perhaps he will let me know.