HC Deb 25 March 1941 vol 370 cc433-4
65. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, with a view to getting more efficient, economic and rapid production, he will appoint a well-known firm of contractors as directors of construction on behalf of the Government and thus have the benefit at first-hand of their expert knowledge and experience?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)

My Noble Friend is alive to the necessity for ensuring efficiency, economy and speed in building construction, and I can assure my hon. Friend that full advantage has been and is being taken of outside control and other expert advice and assistance. He is not, however, prepared to agree that the appointment of a firm of contractors as directors of construction would be a desirable course to adopt in regard to the Government building programme.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the Minister, as far as is possible, employ and use the experience of firms which have expert knowledge in carrying out large contracts and so avoid waste and extravagance?

Mr. Hicks

I can assure the hon. Member that no opportunity is missed of consulting employers and operatives in order that their advice may be available to assist us in carrying out the programme.

Mr. Stokes

Will my hon. Friend assure us that people who merely have qualifications as quantity surveyors will not be put in charge, otherwise we shall have a repetition of the Militia camp scandal?