§ 7. Mr. Boultonasked the Secretary of State for Air why the balloon barrage depot in Sheffield is being built by a London firm of contractors and the reason for local merchants not being allowed to tender for the building materials required?
Captain BalfourThe work on the balloon depot at Sheffield was an urgent defence requirement and the firm in question was selected on the ground that it had special experience and was able to carry out the work in the shortest period of time, but my hon. Friend will wish to know that except for key men the work is being carried out mainly by local labour. The purchase of building materials is a matter which is left to the discretion of the contractor undertaking the work, subject, of course, to the specifications and requirements of my Department being complied with.