HC Deb 18 December 1912 vol 45 cc1473-4
6. Mr. PONSONBY

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any steps are being taken to secure additional housing accommodation for the workmen at Rosyth?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have already stated to the House that, though the Admiralty are under no contract obligation in the matter, of housing the workmen at Rosyth, I should not feel myself debarred from making friendly representations to the contractors respecting the matter. In pursuance of this undertaking, I have been in communication with Messrs. Eastern, Gibb and Son, and I am glad to say that they have met me very fairly. They propose to erect on the works, in the first instance, about fifty-four huts, which will accommodate in all about 726 workmen. The huts will generally be of wood framing, covered externally with galvanised corrugated steel sheeting, and lined internally with closed jointed boarding, after the style of bongalows. The firm also intend to provide a workmen's hall, a canteen and stores, etc. They assure me that everything will be done to make the accommodation as attractive and healthful as possible. I am glad to make this statement, because I am sure the proposals now put forward by the firm will make for the greater comfort of the men, and greater expedition in the progress of the works.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why this has been so long delayed, seeing that the works are supposed to be more than half completed?

Dr. MACNAMARA

It appeared, in the first instance, that the local housing accommodation would meet the needs of the men, but thereafter the firm increased the number of men, and now they are making the provisions which I have indicated.

Mr. J. WARD

Is it not a fact that they want two shifts, that there is not accommodation, and never has been, for the men, and that therefore they are obliged to provide this accommodation?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have been in communication with them, and I say that we have gone very carefully into the matter.

Mr. J. WARD

After five years.