§ 36. Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaiteasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when rebuilding of the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, is likely to be completed.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)It is hoped to begin an instalment of the reconstruction scheme early in 1948 but present circumstances make it impossible to forecast when the full scheme will be completed.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteBy "present circumstances" does the Minister mean that part or whole of this rebuilding scheme for the Royal Naval Barracks comes within the £200 million capital expenditure?
§ Mr. EdwardsNo, Sir, that is not exactly the case, but we are in difficulties with regard to building materials, labour and money at the present time, and that, of course, has to be taken into account.
§ Commander NobleWhat has happened to the rather generous promises made in the Estimates for the last two years?
§ Mr. EdwardsWhat is happening is that we are doing all that is humanly possible to bring about those promises.