§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Minister of Pensions what will be the net increased annual cost caused by the removal of the pension offices to Acton?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is not possible to give comparative costs, as the staff to be removed to Acton are at present housed in temporary buildings in Regent's Park. No ground rent or rates are payable in respect of these buildings, and in view of the desire of the House that the huts should be removed, the minimum is expended on maintenance. The Ministry 1585W of Pensions consider that the improved accommodation at Acton will result in greater efficiency and more economical control. In any case it is certain that the net cost of housing staff in the new buildings at Acton will be much lower than if accommodation were provided in the neighbourhood of Whitehall.