§ 7 and 8. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Minister of Public Building and Works I what has been the cost so far to the nearest convenient date of the building in which is situated the Southern Regional Headquarters of the Land Commission at Reading;
(2) by how much the Headquarters of the Southern Region of the Land Commission at Reading has been reduced consequent upon the 25 per cent. reduction in staff.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe cost of the accommodation was about £125,000 up to 31st March last. Nearly 7,000 sq. ft. has been surrendered this year; this is a reduction of about 40 per cent.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI thank the hon. Gentleman for indicating that very 385 healthy trend. Will he accept my gratitude for showing at regional level what a marked economy will arise when this Land Commission is abolished by the next Government? [interruption.] It is no laughing matter.
§ Mr. LoughlinThe hon. Gentleman must not misunderstand my laughter. It was caused by the double-barbed compliment that he paid me. I do not think I should get involved in an argument of this kind.
§ Mr. John LeeIs my hon. Friend aware that what we want is some encouragement to the Land Commission to get on with the job of acquiring as much land as possible?
§ Mr. LoughlinYes, Sir.