HC Deb 10 March 1947 vol 434 c928
7. Earl Winterton

asked the Minister of Works what is the total cost, exclusive of that for the rebuilding of the new Chamber for this House, of labour and materials in the construction and repair of buildings for the Civil Departments of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Key

By the end of the current financial year approximately £23.5 million will have been spent on the construction and repair of buildings for Civil Departments, about £15 million being the cost of labour and £8.5 million the cost of materials.

Earl Winterton

In view of the great need for materials, and the shortage of materials for house building, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible to cut down this enormous estimate to some extent?

Mr. Key

I can assure the noble Lord that every consideration will be given to economy in this matter.