§ Colonel Burtonasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has considered the safety of the personnel who are to be housed in the Prudential building in Holborn in premises which have been evacuated by that company in order to ensure the safety of their staff?
§ Mr. RamsbothamYes, Sir. Refuge accommodation, constructed in accordance with the requirements of the code issued under the Civil Defence Act, 1939, will be available for the whole of the staff to be accommodated in the premises.
§ Colonel Burtonasked the First Commissioner of Works to what extent the Government is taking over the Prudential building in Holborn for use as offices; and whether there is any differentiation in the matter of terms as compared with hotels and other premises which have been compulsorily commandeered?
§ Mr. RamsbothamArrangements have been made to hire on a tenancy, determinable by my Department at short notice, three buildings fronting on Brooke Street and Greville Street at the rear of Prudential buildings, Holborn. I am advised that the terms negotiated are such1388W as would not have been improved upon if compulsory powers had been exercised.