§ 19. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the tradesmen's accounts connected with the Admiralty Hostel, Jordanhill Demonstration School, Glasgow, have not yet been paid, although applications have again and again been made to the architect and measurer, and to the Admiralty Department in the Adelphi Hotel there; and will he say what is the reason that these officials delay so long to take action?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt may very well be that applications for payment have been made locally. My hon. and learned Friend is not correct in saying that repeated applications have been made to the Admiralty. The first information we received that local accounts were outstanding was on the 10th September, and within forty-eight hours the accounts were settled, less 10 per cent., which was held in suspense for purposes of further investigation. There is this much to be said for 755 the local delay, that whilst the building was first requisitioned for Admiralty purposes, it was ultimately considered that it could be more usefully employed as a War Office hospital. I imagine that the architect in charge deferred passing on the accounts pending an adjustment between the two Departments as to the share of the cost to be borne by each.
§ Mr. WATTDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate the point that his Department does not seem to realise the necessity for money for those at work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWithin forty-eight hours of the receipt by us of the accounts from the locality they were settled—less 10 per cent., as I have said.