§ 71 and 72. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Works (1) the number of building workers engaged on the construction of the new Prudential buildings at Cardiff;
(2) what quantity of cement and steel it is estimated will be used in the construction of the new Prudential buildings at Cardiff.
§ 78. Mr. Llewellynasked the Minister of Works what proportion of the floor space of the new Prudential buildings, situated in the division of Cardiff, North, is earmarked for the use of Government Departments and the Prudential Insurance Company respectively; to what extent his Department is responsible for the erection of these offices; and whether he is aware of the widespread opinion among the people of Cardiff that palatial Government offices should not have priority over housing needs.
§ Mr. StokesNinety-two men are at present engaged on this building. It is estimated that it will require 960 tons of cement and 1,177 tons of steel. My Ministry have agreed to lease approximately nine-tenths of the building. This accommodation is required to release premises held on requisition or on short-term tenancies which have to be surrendered, including university and residential premises. It is impossible to avoid some new office building if requisitioned premises are to be released.
§ 79. Mr. Llewellynasked the Minister of Works what quantity of steel, cement and timber were used in the construction of Government offices in Westgate Street, Cardiff; how much floor space they contain; how much did they cost to build.
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§ Mr. Stokes705 tons of steel, 1,844 tons of cement and 53 standards of timber were used in the construction of these offices, which are 50,500 sq. ft. in gross area, and cost £242,163. A substantial proportion of the materials and money was expended before the war, including two-thirds of the cement and more than half the timber.