§ 67. Mr. KINGasked the total estimate for works being undertaken at a certain place, the name of which has been privately given; how much of this is for buildings; how much is for land and for other charges; whether these works are to be permanent or temporary; whether he is aware that persons in the locality consider that the nature of the foundations and other circumstances are against the success of these works being probable; 1711 whether these difficulties have been considered by any competent and independent civil engineer; and whether any person in the Admiralty or other Government Department is interested, directly or indirectly, in the company whose premises are adjoining?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Worthington Evans)The total estimated cost of the buildings, in which the Ministry of Munitions is interested, is £100,000. These buildings are intended to be of a permanent nature. The land has been taken under the Defence of the Realm Act and the price has not yet been settled. I am aware that certain persons in the locality have expressed doubts with regard to the suitability of the site and the nature of the foundations. The works are being carried out to a design prepared by His Majesty's Office of Works, and I am informed that none of the difficulties referred to in my hon. Friend's question have been experienced up to the present or are anticipated. So far as I am aware the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.