§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of National Insurance what is the estimated cost of setting up social security offices, buildings and equipment throughout the country.
§ Sir W. JowittIt is not yet possible to give a more precise estimate of the ultimate administration costs of my Department than that contained in Table IV in the Government Actuary's report appended to the White Paper, or to apportion that estimate as between cost of buildings and equipment and other costs. The greater part of the expenditure falling on my Department in the immediate future will be required for the purpose of discharging existing functions transferred from other Ministries.
§ Mr. S. Daviesasked the Minister of National Insurance if, in view of the expressed desires of large numbers of civil servants evacuated to Blackpool, he will reconsider the location of his new Ministry, that Cardiff be chosen as a far more convenient centre, especially so in view of the fact that Cardiff can more easily provide housing and office accommodation, its greater proximity to London, and its far more varied educational facilities than the venue now proposed.
§ Sir W. JowittI regret that the decision on this matter, taken after a careful examination of all the circumstances, cannot now be reconsidered.