§ 17. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the cost of repairing a hall now in possession of the military authorities, the name of which has been sent him; under whose authority men were brought from London to repair the damage when it could have been done by local labour; and whether he can give the terms upon which this hall is requisitioned?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg)The contract for the repairs was given to a local firm, but as flooring specialists were found to be needed, and as these were not available locally, the repairs were in the end carried out by the London firm who originally laid the floor. The repairs cost £154. The cost was met from private not public funds. The hall is requisitioned under Defence Regulations and the rental compensation paid is £850 a year.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the Minister aware that four men were sent down to work from eight o'clock in the morning until 12 at night, with all the electric lights full on, with the sole purpose of making this hall fit for dancing? Does he realise that when tens of thousands of people have been transferred to work elsewhere, this is a shocking waste which has scandalised local public opinion?
§ Sir J. GriggI am aware of that, but I am informed that a good light was necessary to carry out the repairs. Nevertheless, in the light of what the hon. Gentleman has Said, I think the real question is not so much the contract for repairs but whether the War Office ought to retain the building at all, and I am going into that.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the hall needed for this purpose?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is the real question which arises and the one I am considering but that is not the Question on the Paper.