HC Deb 14 December 1911 vol 32 cc2520-1
Mr. PONSONBY

asked the Lord Advocate if he is aware that, according to the recent Report prepared for the Scottish Local Government Board upon the housing accommodation available for workers employed at Rosyth, overcrowding prevails to a considerable extent in the houses occupied by the workmen, and difficulty is encountered by married men in securing suitable lodgings; and whether, in view of the fact that in the near future the numbers of workmen employed are likely to be increased, the Scottish Local Government Board intend to take immediate steps to insist on more convenient and healthy accommodation being provided for the men engaged on this national work?

Mr. URE

While the Report in question does indicate that overcrowding occurs it does not indicate that overcrowding occurs to such an extent as to constitute a contravention of the Public Health Act. The Local Government Board, however, are anxiously considering the whole question of housing at Rosyth, and if they can see their way to any effective action in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend they will not fail to exercise their powers.

Mr. J. WARD

Has the right hon. Gentleman drawn the attention of the First Lord of the Admiralty, particularly the new First Lord, to the matter; perhaps the new one might get something done, though we could get nothing from the old one?

Mr. URE

The attention of the contractor was drawn to it; he is responsible.

Sir HILDRED CARLILE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state when the Rosyth Dockyard will be completed and ready for use; and whether all the contracts for the whole of the work have been let?

Mr. FELL

also asked at what date it is anticipated the docks at Rosyth will be ready to receive battleships of the "Dreadnought" type?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)

The contract date for completion of the engineering works now in hand is 30th September, 1916. It is hoped that this date may be anticipated, and the Admiralty are offering a large bonus for earlier completion. But it is not possible to say at present how much acceleration will be achieved. Much supplementary work will remain to be done after the main contract is completed, and contracts for such work have not been made at present.

Sir H. CARLILE

Have all the tenders for the completion of the work been received?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Tenders have not been received for this supplementary work.