HC Deb 02 April 1940 vol 359 cc8-10
10. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War on whose recommendation quantity surveyors were appointed to supervise the construction of Militia camps; and whether he is aware of their unsuitability for work of this nature?

Mr. Stanley

Owing to the very large volume of work already being carried out, there were no Royal Engineer officers available to supervise the construction of the Militia camps. It was therefore decided to appoint firms of surveyors to supervise the execution of the contracts. The firms of surveyors appointed were selected from a panel submitted by the Chartered Surveyors' Institution. It was realised that in certain cases persons in the firm might not have the engineering or architectural knowledge required to control the actual detail of construction, though fully qualified in such matters as measurement and costing. The firms were therefore empowered to engage such assistance as was found to be necessary, and to employ specialist consultants where required. The Department relied on frequent inspection by highly qualified senior officers to ensure that the quality of construction reached the required standard. The procedure has not been found unsatisfactory.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Minister not aware that quantity surveyors were totally unsuitable for work of this kind and that it would have been far more satisfactory if people with the qualifications of civil engineers had been appointed for the work?

Mr. Stanley

I think the difficulty at the time was that there were no individuals fully qualified to deal with all the details that arose. It was recognised that surveyors themselves might not be in a position to supervise fully and for that reason arrangements were made so that in those circumstances they could employ specialists to advise them.

Mr. Stokes

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why quantity surveyors were selected for this work and why application was not made for civil engineers, who are far more suitable for work of this nature?

Mr. Stanley

The reason was that the major part of the work would fall within the compass of surveyors.

11. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office specifications for hutted and other camps and buildings generally, have now been altered to allow of the use of concrete spun pipes for sewage work, and Fletton hard bricks for hutments or foundations?

Mr. Stanley

In buildings both of a temporary and a permanent nature concrete spun pipes nine inches in diameter ant above are authorised. Fletton hard bricks are authorised for the foundations of temporary war-time hutments, provided that they are of approved pattern and samples are passed by the competent military authority. These bricks are not however, authorised for permanent buildings below damp proof course.

Mr. Stokes

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it would have been an immense saving to the nation if this stipulation had been made much earlier in the war?

Mr. Stanley

I could not admit that. Difficulties in regard to materials have forced us to accept lower standards, but the acceptance of lower standards does not always mean economy.

12. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received a report on the cost of the construction of the Militia camp at Cove; and, if not, when he expects to do so?

Mr. Stanley

I have not yet received final figures of the cost of construction of the militia camp at Cove, and, while everything possible will be done to, expedite matters, I regret that I am not in a position to state when the accounts will be finally completed.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is taking time over this matter in the hope that it may die a natural death? Does he not recognise that the cost of this camp is exorbitant and double and treble what it should have been?

Mr. Stanley

Exactly the opposite. The circumstances connected with this camp are such that I thought a report on the costs should be an absolutely exhaustive report, and it is for that reason that I am not prepared to hurry at the expense of not getting perhaps the fullest knowledge on every possible detail.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say when he will be able to make a statement to the House on the matter?

Mr. Stanley

I hope I shall be able to receive these accounts within four or five weeks, but what I am certain about is that I am not prepared to have these accounts closed until every single detail has been thoroughly investigated.