HC Deb 25 February 1919 vol 112 cc1571-4
25. Sir C. HENRY

asked whether the work at Cippenham is being carried on in accordance with the same plans as when the scheme was embarked upon; and whether the entire acreage that was requisitioned for this purpose is being, or will be, utilised?

Captain GUEST

The original plans have been generally adhered to, subject to certain modifications in the details of arrangement and construction of buildings; three large store sheds are omitted, and alterations to plans of quarters and barracks to suit civilian administration are now under discussion. I cannot say definitely whether all the land will be required eventually, but the whole acreage will certainly be fully utilised for some time to come.

Sir RICHARD COOPER

Is it the intention of the Government to retain and maintain these works at Cippenham?

Captain GUEST

There are three other questions on the Paper on this subject.

26. Sir C. HENRY

asked on what terms the contracts have been placed for the work that is being carried on at Cippenham; and whether all the contracts were placed by tender or any on the time and line basis or other conditions?

Captain GUEST

Arrangements had been made to invite tenders from a limited number of firms,on the basis of repayment of cost, with a fee to include profit and superintendence. McAlpine and Sons, one of the invited firms, made a proposal to the effect that they would carry out the work at cost, and that the amount of the fee to be awarded to them should be settled by the Treasury Standing Committee on Contracts (Colwyn Committee) at the end of the work. The firm was considered to possess unusual qualifications for carrying out the work quickly and economically. The proposal was accepted thereforeas being most advantageous. The minor contracts in connection with the works were placed upon a lump sum basis, or, what is virtually the same, on a measurement basis, with the exception of two, where the only practicable method was a contract on the basis of cost.

Sir C. HENRY

Am I to understand that as regards the contract of Messrs. McAlpine, the War Office has no knowledge at all of what it would amount to?

Captain GUEST

I presume that as the War Office have undertaken a great many such contracts they must have had a fair idea of what it would cost.

Sir SAMUEL ROBERTS

Can the hon. Member state whether the estimate of the War Office was the same as that given before the Expenditure Committee in the last Parliament?

Captain GUEST

If my hon. Friend will put a question down on that subject, I will give him an answer.

27. Sir C. HENRY

asked when it may be anticipated that the work at Cippenham will be completed and, when completed, what is the intention as regards the use of these works; and whether they will be retained by the Governmnet or disposed of?

Captain GUEST

Under normal conditions of labour, and subject to requirements remaining as at present, it is anticipated that the works at Cippenham will be completed about September next. It is intended to use the works for repair work, and they will be retained by the Government.

Sir C. HENRY

Am I to understand that these will be national works?

Captain GUEST

It is almost certain that they will be required for Government purposes. The Army are of opinion that they will require them, but nothing but time can settle that question.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any estimate of the money expended in this matter?

Captain GUEST

If my hon. Friend will put down a question, I will give him the figures.

Sir JOHN BUTCHER

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what class of repairs these works will be required for?

Captain GUEST

The next question covers that point.

28. Sir C. HENRY

asked whether inquiries have been instituted to ascertain if the capacity of motor works in this country is adequate to deal with the repairing of motor transport vehicles; and, if so, whether the works at Cippenham will be actually required?

Captain GUEST

It is understood that a large number of motor transport vehicles will be dealt with at the motor works in this country under arrangements made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions. There will still remain a large number of vehicles of American and other makes which cannot be so dealt with, and the works at Cippenham will be fully occupied for several years in dealing with these.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there are over 2,000 motor repair works in this country, and would it not be better to distribute the men in those large Government centres among those different works so that the men may go back to the centres from which they originally came which will enable them to restart?

Captain GUEST

The War Office will confer on this subject with the Minister of Munitions.

Sir C. HENRY

Will the Secretary of State for War look into this matter, because it is one which is causing considerable agitation?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have heard a reverberation of the agitation in the district concerned, and I am not unfamiliar with this question. The matter is now in the hands of Lord Inverforth, the new Minister of Munitions, and I am quite ready to confer with him on the subject.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Would the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation from a small group of hon. Members who are interested in this question—

Mr. SPEAKER

We really must get on with the questions on the Paper.