HC Deb 07 July 1939 vol 349 cc1685-6W
Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that three years ago his Department agreed to carry out the necessary alterations to the office of the inspector of taxes, Exchange Buildings, 20, Market Street, Llanelly, but that these have not yet been done; whether he can give the reason for this long delay; whether he is aware that there is no fire-escape attached to the building although the structure is mainly wooden with a wooden staircase, and that the local air-raid wardens have refused to accept responsibility for the safety of the staff or of the building until these repairs have been made; and will he expedite these alterations?

Mr. Ramsbotham

Although it was agreed in principle in 1937 that the Llanelly Tax District should be transferred from the 2nd and 3rd floors of Exchange Buildings to the 1st and 2nd, other alternatives were considered in the interval and a final decision was taken last year. It is hoped to carry out the proposed move shortly. The delay, which I regret, has been caused partly by the consideration of an abortive scheme to rehouse the staff concerned in a new building, and partly by the general pressure of work on my Department. It is proposed to supply a new fire escape when the alterations are made, and every effort will be made to expedite their completion.