§ Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that, in connection with the change of accommodation of his headquarters registry staff, the representations made to his official side by the staff side were in opposition to and not in agreement with the transfer; that the continuous use of fluorescent lighting and electrically operated ventilating plant, unnecessary in the old accommodation but necessary in the new accommodation, is leading to a greater 46W consumption of electricity; and whether, in the circumstances, he will consider re-transferring staffs to their old accommodation where a minimum of artificial lighting is necessary.
§ Mr. T. SmithThe decision to transfer the staff referred to by the hon. Member was taken, as my right hon. Friend stated on 25th April, after representations had been received from the staff themselves as to the unsuitability of the old accommodation, and in the interests both of efficiency and of security. I am aware that the Staff Side of the Departmental Whitley Council opposed the transfer to the present accommodation, but the subject was fully discussed with them by the Official Side and no formal disagreement was recorded. It is difficult to make an exact comparison between the old and new accommodation in regard to the consumption of electricity, but my right hon. Friend is still of the opinion that on balance there is a saving in consumption. My right hon. Friend has considered the whole matter afresh, but, especially in view of the security considerations involved, is not prepared to re-transfer the staff.