§ 93. Mr. R. GWYNNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War who was responsible for the design and erection of the huts at Seaford; who passed them as fit for habitation; and whether the repairs and reconstruction have been left to be supervised and arranged by the same authority?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe huts were constructed on the lines of the typical design prepared at the War Office under the authority of the Army Council. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, was responsible for the erection of the huts, the work was carried out by a contractor, selected under the usual open tender system, and supervised by surveyors appointed under War Office authority. The huts have not yet been passed as lit for habitation, nor has the contract been completed yet. The huts were, however, temporarily occupied, under orders of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, as a preferable alternative to keeping the men in tents, but they were subsequently evacuated. Repairs are being carried out as required, the contractor being bound to make good defects in bad workmanship. There have been changes in the supervising officials mainly owing to sickness and death.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks whether the same man (or men) as in the first instance is going to be entrusted with the work of supervision?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs I have already informed the hon. Gentleman there have been changes in these supervising officers: new ones have taken the place of the old.
§ 94. Mr. GWYNNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many men the huts at Seaford were designed to accommodate; when the camp was first occupied; when it was vacated; and when it is expected it will be suitable for occupation?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe answer to the first part of the question is fifteen battalions; to the second, 11th November; to the third, 2nd December; to the fourth, this month (March).
§ Mr. GWYNNEIs it customary to allow these huts to be occupied before they have been passed for habitation?
§ Mr. TENNANTI dealt with that aspect of the matter in the speech I delivered on the Army Estimates; it has been a purely temporary expedient, rendered necessary because of the abnormal circumstances.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWould the right hon. Gentleman say—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot discuss the matter now.