HC Deb 18 February 1919 vol 112 cc724-6
10. Sir C. HENRY

asked the Secretary of State for War the acreage that at present is being utilised in the Cippenham scheme; how many men are at present engaged on the works; whether they are being carried on by contractors or by the War Office; and, if by contractors, will he state the names of the firms who are engaged on the work?

Captain GUEST

The acreage utilised at Cippenham amounts to over 600 acres. The number of men including staff, at present employed is 3,400. The building work is being carried on by a contractor—McAlpine and Sons—with certain minor sub-contracts. Separate contracts for special services are let as follows:—

  • Langley and Johnson—Sewers.
  • Robinson and Co.—Internal Railways.
  • Thomas Matthews and Sons—Well sinking.
  • Herbert Morris—Cranes.
  • Babcock and Wilcox—Boilers.
  • Fraser and Chalmers—Transporter gear.
  • Brush Company—Electrical plant.
  • Davenport Engineering Company—Cooling tower.
  • Haden and Son—Heating.

Sir C. HENRY

Have the whole of the 600 acres already been utilised?

Captain GUEST

I am afraid I am not in a position to answer that question.

Colonel Sir J. REMNANT

Is the rate of wage that is being paid based on the rates ruling in the district or is it based on some special scale?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

Referring to the contract system, is it contract by time and line or by amount?

Captain GUEST

I must ask for notice of that question.

Mr. WILSON-FOX

Have the contracts been given out in accordance with the original plans or have those plans been modified?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon Member must give notice of that question.

11. Sir C. HENRY

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the present position of the work that is being carried on at Cippenham, near Slough; and whether it is the intention to continue the original scheme?

Captain GUEST

It is proposed to continue the original building scheme at Cippenham, omitting three large store sheds. About 25 per cent. of the work is completed, with liabilities for materials up to 50 per cent. Some temporary work is in hand to clear the Kempton Park Depot and to enable repairs to commence at Cippenham in anticipation of the completion of the permanent buildings. Accommodation for staff is temporarily in abeyance pending a decision on the question of the future employment of civil working staff in lieu of military.

Sir C. HENRY

Is it the intention of the Government to retain these works permanently or only temporarily?

Captain GUEST

I must ask for notice of that question.