§ MR. WHITEHEAD (Essex, S. E.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether reinforced concrete has been used by his Department for constructional purposes at Woolwich or elsewhere; and, if so, whether the work has been applied above ground or in foundations; whether it has given satisfaction; whether it has been found economical; 1138 whether the War Office have experienced any accidents in the execution of the work; and what is the date of the earliest instance of such work executed for his Department.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) Reinforced concrete has been employed to a considerable extent in construction both at Woolwich Dockyard and at Woolwich Arsenal. This material has been made use of in foundations, in piling, and above ground, and is considered to be satisfactory and economical. No accidents have been experienced either during execution or since occupation. The first instance of its use there was in the construction of a storehouse at Woolwich Dockyard, erected between October, 1904, and September, 1905. In addition to the above reinforced con-concrete has been employed in the construction of a roof and stairway in Cairo in 1905, and was found economical and satisfactory.