§ Mr. Houghtonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the damage to efficiency and economic use of staff caused by existing 149W unsatisfactory conditions in the offices of H.M. Inspectors of Taxes in Scarborough, Sittingbourne, Sunderland, Stroud and Middlesbrough and district; what is holding up the remedy for these conditions; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am aware that present conditions in some offices of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Taxes, and, indeed, in other Government offices, do not assist their efficient working. The efforts of the Ministry of Works to improve conditions are limited both on financial grounds and by the need to restrict capital development; as the hon. Member is probably aware there is at present a ban on the building of offices unless there are exceptional reasons.
Of the five offices mentioned, conditions at Sittingbourne justify the erection of a new building which has been commenced. The Ministry of Works is purchasing an existing building at Sunderland which will provide improved accommodation. Conditions at Scarborough, Stroud and Middlesbrough have not justified exemption from the office building ban and no suitable existing premises have been found; improvement of conditions in these cases must, therefore, await relaxation of present stringencies.