§ 22 and 23. Colonel NORTON-GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Local Government Board (1) if he can state whether the Metropolitan Water Board are proceeding with their new reservoir at Staines; and, if so, what is the total cost of this undertaking; whether, in the interests of economy, the Government has taken any action towards requesting the Metropolitan Water Board to discontinue such works during the period of the War; and (2) whether the contract for the central offices of the Metropolitan Water Board at Rosebery Avenue is still being proceeded with; and whether he has taken any action with a view to curtailing this and other municipal works during the period of the War?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Montagu)The work on the reservoir in question has been stopped, I understand, by the Ministry of Munitions. The discontinuance of the building in connection with the new head offices was considered by the Capital Issues Committee, but in view of the heavy and disproportionate expense which would have been involved by a temporary cessation it was decided that the existing contract should be allowed to be completed. As regards the general question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to him on Thursday last by the President of the Local Government Board.