Mr. PALMERasked the First Commissioner of Works what is the number of rooms, formerly used as offices, in London of which the Stationery Office has taken possession since 1914 and still occupies; and whether, in view of the serious shortage in business premises, especially in Westminster, a shortage which will be increased by the acquisition by the Ministries of Labour and Pensions of Queen Anne's Chambers and other buildings, and having regard to the reduction in the work and in the staff of the Stationery Office, he will consider the possibility of that Department vacating, some, if not all, of its temporary offices?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer to the first part of the question is 26 rooms. As regards the second part, there has been no reduction in the staff of the Stationery Office recently and, in point of fact, the latest staff return shows a slight increase. The hon. Member may be assured, however, that should any substantial reductions take place in the number of the staff, a corresponding amount of accommodation will be immediately vacated, and, if possible, returned to its former occupants.