28. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury has withheld part of the Loan granted or sanctioned to the London County Council for the erection of an asylum at Epsom; if he is aware that owing to this building operations are going to be suspended; that a large sum has to be paid to the contractors for such suspension; and whether, in view of the fact that some of the blocks are approaching completion and that if they were completed they would make admirable hospitals for our wounded soldiers, he will sanction the grant of sufficient money to complete them so that they may be used for that purpose?
80. The HON. MEMBERalso asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that building operations on a new asylum for the London County Council at Epsom are being suspended owing to lack of funds; that some of the blocks are nearly completed; that if they were completed they would make admirable hospitals for our wounded soldiers; and whether, in view of the shortage of hospital accommodation, he will take steps to provide money for completing these blocks?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have been asked to answer these questions. Owing to the paramount need for economy, the Treasury have felt it their duty to object to a further loan for carrying out the contract for the erection of the asylum in question. Negotiations with the contractor are still pending. I 600 am informed that none of the blocks could be completed under twelve months, apart from lighting, heating, and drainage. The question of using them as hospitals for wounded soldiers has been considered by the Army Council, but the Council do not think it necessary to complete the blocks for this purpose.
Mr. WILSONWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries and get particulars whether these blocks cannot be supplied in a great deal less time than is suggested in his reply?
§ Sir J. SIMONYes.