CAB129-52 — Page 100

Page 100

Printed for the Cabinet. June 1952

CONFIDENTIAL

C. (52) 184

CABINET OFFICE

RECORD COPY

4th June, 1952

CABINET

Copy No 65

GOVERNMENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

MEMORANDUM BY THE MINISTER OF WORKS

In my memorandum of 5th March, 1952 (C. (52) 62), I summarised my proposals to Ministers for economy in the use of office space and undertook to report progress to the Cabinet in three months.

2. I attach a statement showing that Ministers have agreed to surrender 505,000 square feet. This is a most helpful result which has been achieved at the cost of considerable inconvenience. The release of 372,500 square feet is still under discussion. Almost half this space is occupied by two Departments, the Ministry of Food and the War Office. The success of the economy campaign now depends largely on the surrender of surplus accommodation by these Departments.

3. I must know quickly what premises will be surrendered in order to plan the movements of staff necessary to enable requisitioned premises to be released. I suggest that I should report progress to the Cabinet again at the end of July and I hope that all proposals for economy will then be agreed.

4. My colleagues with large provincial organisations have assured me of their co-operation in making economies in provincial towns. The aim is to reach agreement in three months.

Ministry of Works, S.E. 1, 4th June, 1952.

42357

D. E.

[P.T.O.

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