HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc501-2W
Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the overcrowding of St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh; what complaints he has received that this is aggravated by the recall of retired civil servants; and what steps are being taken to alleviate the congestion?

Mr. Colville

I have received no complaints on this subject, and the total numbers of staffs accommodated in St. Andrew's House are not in excess of the numbers contemplated when the building was under construction or of the standard generally applied for headquarter offices. In a few branches, however, owing to recent increases of staff, there appears to be some congestion, and I am having a survey made with a view to adjustments so far as practicable. The number of retired officers who have been re-employed is no more than half-a-dozen.