§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what progress has been made up to date with regard to the concentration of the staffs of Government offices to the standard of 80 square feet per head, which, when effected, was estimated to result in a saving of nearly £200,000 a year?
§ Sir J. GILMOURUp to the present time the activities of the Office of Works staff have been mainly concentrated on the work connected with the transfer of staffs incidental to securing the release of surplus accommodation arising from the reduction of Government staffs generally. Until, however, Departmental staffs approach more closely to their ultimate post-War level, difficulty will be experienced in securing the general application of the 80 square feet standard. This difficulty was pointed out to and appreciated by the Committee on National Expenditure in recommending that the concentration should be secured at the earliest possible date. It is estimated that the application of the principle of concentration has resulted so far in a saving of approximately £33,000 per annum on rentals, and every effort will be made to effect further economies under this head.