§ Mr. D. Smithasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many persons are involved in the plan to move two Admiralty departments from London to Bath; and what is his estimate of the number of persons who will need assistance in buying new homes in the area of the new site.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThere are some 170 persons due to go to Bath. It is hoped to permit some measure of choice to staff and in consequence it is not possible to say exactly how many householders will be moving. Possibly 50 per cent. are householders who will be entitled to transfer grants and other removal expenses under the regulations for the Civil Service.
§ Mr. D. Smithasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what he estimates the total cost will be in moving two Admiralty departments from London to Bath within the next eighteen months; 190W and if he will cancel this plan, in view of the economic situation.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe initial costs covering both the cost of transfer and of office accommodation may be between £60,000 £70,000.
My noble Friend is not prepared to cancel this plan, which will increase efficiency by concentrating two departments.
These moves are in accordance with Government policy on provincial dispersal and with recommendation 6 of the Report of the Select Committee which considered the Admiralty headquarters organisation.