§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the First Commissioner of Works why the work of the Government Department at present carried on in the offices at the corner of Baker Street and Dorset Street, Marylebone, cannot be performed equally conveniently for the public, and at a lower rental cost, in premises distant not less than five miles from Charing Cross?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe number of visitors to the Imperial War Graves Commission from overseas and the convenience of the public generally has hitherto been regarded as sufficient justification for the central situation of their offices. In my replies to other hon. Members I have already stated that these premises in Baker Street will be vacated at an early date.
§ Mr. REMERasked the First Commissioner of Works with reference to the occupation to be continued till next year by a Government Department of the premises at the corner of Baker Street 2165W and Dorset Street, Marylebone, whether he will, in the interests of economy, arrange for the staff to be transferred forthwith to offices outside the area of highly rented shopping districts in the central parts of London?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe premises in question will be vacated at Lady Day next, the earliest date by which alternative premises will be available and ready for the staff. The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension in regard to the rent of the premises which have been held on lease upon favourable terms since 1916.
§ Sir J. FERGUSONasked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state the date upon which it was decided to 2166W vacate the ground floor and the upper floors of the Government offices at the corner of Baker Street and Dorset Street, Marylebone; and will he give the approximate date upon which the whole of these premises will be vacated and the reasons for the present delay in doing so?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIt was decided in April last to vacate the ground floor and basement of these premises, and surrender with cesser of rent was effected on the 15th June. The decision to vacate the upper floors at Lady Day next has only recently been reached, upon the completion of a scheme to provide alternative premises for the Imperial War Graves Commission. I cannot admit that there has been any delay in the vacation of these premises.