HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 cc843-4W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether in regard to the huts he proposes to erect for Civil Service Departments which have been evacuated from London, he will have regard to their design and the amenities of the country in which they are erected; and whether, in view of their cost, he will consider in respect to their lay-out and permanency, their possible utilisation after the war for the purposes of school camps, family holiday centres, etc.?

Mr. Ramsbotham

All the considerations to which the hon. Member refers will be borne in mind and effect given to them where possible; but regard must necessarily be had also to other factors such as availability of communications, of billets, supply of materials and speed of construction.

Mr. Banfield

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the large majority of civil servants declare that their work can be done more efficiently in London; that they are prepared to take their share of risk with the rest of the population; and will he reconsider the policy of evacuation of civil servants?

Captain Crookshank

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 14th November to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones).

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the number of Civil Service Departments which still remain in London; the number which have been evacuated; and whether evacuation is decided by the Government or by the individual Minister in charge?

Captain Crookshank

Four Departments, with staffs totalling under 300, have been completely evacuated to the provinces; some 15 Departments have evacuated in varying degrees portions of their staffs to a total of about 15,000. The general policy in regard to evacuation has been settled by His Majesty's Government.