§ 41. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry if his attention has been called to the wasteful expenditure incurred in the construction of aerodromes in a district in Lancashire; that this waste is having a prejudicial effect upon national war savings efforts in that part of the country; that as a consequence two local war savings committees have refused to organise a special war weapons' week, alleging that it would be useless to appeal to the public in view of the existing conditions which prevail; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the AIR MINISTRY (Major Baird)There have been several allegations of wasteful expenditure at the works which 707 my hon. Friend has in mind. The Administrator of Works and Buildings has investigated the case closely, and I understand that though at the outset the labour available was not fully utilised, for reasons beyond control, matters are now as satisfactory as can be expected in present conditions. No information is available to support the suggestion in the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. BILLINGHaving regard to the fact that various instances of wasteful expenditure at aerodromes have occurred, will the hon Gentleman recommend to the Air Minister that a Committee be appointed to inquire into the arrangements for aerodromes on which money has been spent?
§ Major BAIRDI will report the hon. Member's suggestion to the Air Minister, but I think the matter is sufficiently in hand to obviate that necessity.