asked the First Commissioner of Works the total cost per annum of the hiring or leasing of accommodation for the housing of Government Departments in the London area?

The total rental paid out of Office of Works Votes for housing Government Departments in the London area is £416,000 per annum.

In view of the magnitude of that expenditure, nearly half-a-million a year, does not the First Commissioner think that the interests of economy as well as of efficiency would be served by a much more extensive programme of building as distinct from renting from private owners?

I shall be very glad if the House will help me in the interests of economy by passing the very short Bill I hope to introduce shortly.