§ 71. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the provision of accommodation for the Central Office of Information at Hercules House was made with insufficient regard for future requirements, that the accommodation is already overcrowded, and that the Department is having to obtain other places in several different parts of London, with the consequence of extra expenditure; and what plans he has for the future accommodation of this Department.
§ Lord John HopeWhen the lease of Hercules House was negotiated it was expected that the accommodation would be sufficient for the staff of the Central Office of Information. The substantial 167W increase in staff which has since been necessary due to expansion in the Department's activities could not have been forecast at that time. Supplementary accommodation has been provided in Lincoln House nearby and space in other buildings is being allocated.