asked the Minister for Finance if the total amount of unoccupied office space being leased by the public service is a waste of public funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The total amount of unoccupied office space being leased for the civil service is not a waste of public funds.

Premises are generally rented as shell buildings which have to be fitted out to meet particular needs of proposed occupants. The planning of fitting out works, securing the agreement of staffs, placing of contracts and the execution of works, which in most cases are very substantial, take a considerable time. It is inevitable that rented premises must remain unoccupied for varying periods before they are occupied.