§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware of the serious effect on the health and efficiency of the staff in the Maidstane tax district, which is caused by the totally unsuitable office accommodation provided in the Inland Revenue offices, 46–50, Earl Street, Maidstone, and that the rooms are low lying and practically on the level of the river Medway, and where the rooms are low and dark, causing almost constant use of electric light; whether he has received any of the complaints from accountants and solicitors regarding the lack of privacy in dealing with their client's affairs; and if he will cause an investigation to be made during working hours in regard to these matters and as to the distracting noises at the back of the offices from animals undergoing treatment in the stables and outhouses?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe First Commissioner is aware of the condition of the office of the Maidstone tax district, but, in spite of prolonged search, no more suitable premises are found to be available. The situation of the building is similar to that of the great majority of buildings in Maidstone; the majority of the rooms are not low and the natural light cannot be described as unsatisfactory. No complaint has been received from accountants or solicitors, nor has attention hitherto been called to the dis- 2265W tracting noises of the animals. The possibility of improving the accommodation is already under consideration.