§ 84. Mr. H. JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many motors and lorries are being used at Chepstow and Beachley in connection with the shipyards, and how many of the motors are being used for other purposes?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING(Colonel L. Wilson)The number of motor cars and omnibuses being used at Chepstow and Beachley in connection with the shipyards is eighteen. There are no motors used for any other purposes.
§ Mr. LAMBERTCan the hon. Gentleman say who is responsible for the economic construction of those yards at the present moment?
§ Colonel WILSONMy right hon. Friend the Shipping Controller is responsible.
§ 85. Mr. JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether any decision has been come to as to what is to be done with the national shipyards at Chepstow, Beachley, and Portbury; and whether it would be in the interests of national economy to close the Beachley yard and sell the material?
§ Colonel WILSONWith reference to the first part of my hon Friend's question, I regret that I can add nothing to the full statement made in this House on 19th May last. Negotiations are now proceeding for the sale of the shipyards, including Beachley, and under the circumstances it is not possible to adopt the suggestion contained in the latter part of the question.
§ 86. Mr. JONESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to an article on Government housing at Chepstow, which appeared on page 115 of the "Architects' and Builders' Journal" for 13th March, 1918, stating that two rows each of six cottages, planned about twenty-six to the acre, have been built at the entrance to the estate on the Beachley-Chepstow Road, and that the third bedroom in each cottage measures only 6 ft. l½ ins. by 6 ft. 7½ ins. by 7 ft. 9 ins. high, and that the only window in the small larder opens directly on to the earth closet; whether the person responsible for the preparation of the plans has received an appointment at £l,000 per annum under the housing scheme; and whether the Ministry of Health would be prepared to approve of similar plans if submitted by local authorities?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)I have seen the article referred to, and have been in communication with the Minister of Shipping. It is presumed that the houses referred to form part of the Pennsylvania Housing Scheme, Beachley, and, as stated by the Parliamentary secretary to the Ministry of Shipping on 27th June, the number of houses on the estate are from nine to ten per acre. Only one row of six cottages has been built, and the smallest bedroom is not less than 65 sq. ft. in floor area either in this block or in any of the houses being built on the estate. No earth closets are being provided.