HC Deb 29 October 1919 vol 120 cc707-8W
Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry when Central House, Kingsway, which was commandeered by the Ministry during the War, will be restored to the various business firms who were previously in occupation, and who are hampered in re-establishing their businesses on a peace basis owing to the inadequacy of the temporary accommodation they. have secured; what is the total rental value of the premises; whether less expensive premises could be obtained for the Ministry elsewhere; what is the particular work being carried on on the premises; and what are the number of officials employed thereon?

Mr. J. PARKER

Central House, Kings-way, will be vacated completely by the Government staffs now in occupation by the end of the year. The estimated total inclusive rental value is £7,618 per annum. The vacation of the premises will be effected by a reduction of the staff and by the removal of the remainder to less expensive premises. The work being carried on is design, research, and technical work generally in connection with aircraft production under the Ministry of Munitions. As regards the last part, the number of officials at present engaged in the premises is 208.