§ 32. Major PRESCOTTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he will give the estimated total cost of building materials purchased by the Department of Building Supplies for the erection of houses under the new Housing Act; and whether he will give the total cost of the salaries now being paid for administrative services in the new Department of Supplies, and say when its creation was sanctioned by Parliament?
§ The DEPUTY-MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)The total cost of building materials purchased by the Department of Building Materials Supply is approximately £3,000.000.
This Department employs a staff of fifty-five. The wages and salaries amount to a monthly charge of £1,443.
The Department of Building Materials Supply continues the functions formerly performed by the Building Works and Materials Branch of the War Office, and was transferred, along with the other functions of the Surveyor-General of Supply, to the Ministry of Munitions in March of this year.
On the general question of the transfer of these functions, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office to the hon. and gallant Member for Clackmannan and Eastern Stirling on Wednesday last.
§ Major E. WOODOn what Vote are these expenses charged?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe Vote for the Ministry of Munitions.