HC Deb 07 April 1927 vol 204 c2271
85. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount already spent on Catterick Camp; what is the total required to complete the work in progress; and what percentage of increase is this latter amount above the original estimate in 1922 of £890,000?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The expenditure to date on the reconstruction of Catterick Camp is approximately £920,000. The further sum required to complete the work in progress is estimated at £518,000, making a total of £1,438,000. The increase is 62 per cent. on the original estimate, which was, however, purely provisional.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the estimate which was given in the first place has been so extraordinarily over-spent?

Sir L. W0RTHINGT0N-EVANS

There are many explanations. One is that additional work has been done, and another is that the original estimate was a provisional one, and wrong.

Mr. W. TH0RNE

You bad better increase that man's salary.