HC Deb 03 July 1917 vol 95 cc893-4
24. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the Minister of Munitions whether sanction has been given by his Department to the prolonged building operations which are being carried on in Great Smith Street, Westminster, by a building syndicate; whether he is aware that entirely new work is now being begun by the destruction of a building erected within a few years, and recently in the occupation of the London County Council; and whether the expenditure of labour on such work will be prevented during the continuance of the War?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

In accordance with a decision of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, permission was given for the erection of certain offices in Great Smith Street, on condition that after completion they are placed at the disposal of the Government for Government purposes. With regard to the second part of the question, inquiry is being made to ascertain whether any work has in fact been put in hand beyond that for which permission has been given; and I will communicate further with my hon. Friend.

Sir H. CRAIK

Would it not be possible to erect temporary buildings instead of elaborate permanent buildings for Government needs?

Mr. KELLAWAY

The whole question of accommodation is under the consideration of the Cabinet Committee on accommodation, and the facts of this case were considered.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these are very elaborate permanent buildings which have occupied a large amount of labour, and is it not possible, as in other cases, that temporary buildings should be erected, in order not to employ so much labour?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I think in this ease when the question arose the buildings were already in an advanced condition of construction, and it was a question of completion. The offices can only be used for Government purposes, and all the facts were taken into consideration by the Cabinet Committee when they gave their decision.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the buildings now completed were only begun four or five months ago, and not before the War, and that they were begun with the permission of the Ministry of Munitions?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is giving information.

Sir H. CRAIK

I want to ask if that information is in the possession of the Munitions Department. I am entitled to ask that.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member might convey the information by letter.

Sir H. CRAIK

On a point of Order. I want to know whether that fact was within the knowledge of the Ministry of Munitions.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman has already shown that it was not.