15. Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, Owing to long delays in the execution of contracts, many anti-aircraft battery sites in the West of Scotland lack adequate water supplies, lighting and sanitary arrangements; that these delays are largely due to the system of placing contracts for hutments, battery sites, etc., with civilian contractors, and to the fact that as War Office contracts insist on only 60 hours overtime, whilst no limit of overtime is stated by other Government Departments or by local authorities, contract labour fights shy of War Office contracts: and whether, in view of the fact that, in many instances, the men are living under unsatisfactory and unhealthy conditions, he. will take steps to improve the position?
§ Captain MargessonI am aware that there have been delays in the execution of contracts in the West of Scotland. These delays, however, are due to the general shortage of labour and materials and not to the system of placing contracts with civilian contractors. The limitation of hours of work to 60 a week is in accordance with Government policy, and there is an arrangement with local authorities On similar lines. As regards the last part of the Question, I can assure 1800 my hon. and gallant Friend that every effort is being made to improve the position.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Minister aware that there are firms in the West of Scotland which complain that they are not obtaining a sufficient number of Government contracts?
§ Captain MargessonNo, Sir, I am not aware of that.