Major BARNESasked the First Commissioner of Works if his Department is making provision for the erection of semi-permanent buildings estimated to last for fifty years and to accommodate about 12,000 clerks on a site in the proximity of London; for what Departments the accommodation is being provided and the numbers in each; and if the plans for so large an undertaking may be seen by Members interested in so doing?
§ Sir ALFRED MONDAs regards the first part of the question, the War Cabinet Committee on Accommodation have, Subject to Treasury authority, approved of the acquisition of two sites in the suburbs of London for the erection of buildings of the type mentioned, in which approximately 11,000 staff can be accommodated. As regards the second part, one of the buildings is intended for Ministry of Pensions staff of 6,000, and the other for staffs of various Departments to the number of 5,000, all of whom are now housed in public institutions and business premises which it is necessary to vacate as soon as possible. As regards the last part, so soon as negotiations for the acquisition of the sites are completed, I can, if it is desired, arrange for Members to see the plans of the buildings.
§ Sir WATSON RUTHERFORDasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, having regard to the convenience of the 4,500 members of the Constitutional Club, any definite date has yet been fixed when the club house in Northumberland Avenue will be vacated by the Ministry of Munitions?
§ Sir A. MONDArrangements for rehousing the staff of the Ministry of Munitions now in the Constitutional Club premises are practically completed, and the necessary removal arrangements are to be put in hand forthwith. No definite date has yet been fixed by which the space will be vacated, but it is anticipated that the whole will be cleared in about three weeks' time.