HC Deb 19 July 1937 vol 326 cc1793-4W
Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the First Commissioner of Works why the principle of erecting Crown buildings to house Government offices, as in the case of the Ministry of Labour and the post offices, is not adopted in the case of tax offices and collectors' offices?

Sir P. Sassoon

Crown buildings are erected for the Ministry of Labour and the Post Office because their requirements are of a very specialised character and can only be met by buildings designed for the purpose. The requirements of tax offices and collectors' offices are not so specialised and can usually be met by hiring suitable office accommodation, with the additional advantage that when a hired building ceases to satisfy Inland Revenue requirements the tenancy can be determined at stated periods. Where suitable accommodation is not available, the question of erecting a Crown building for tax collectors' offices is considered.