§ 14. Major Conantasked the Minister of Supply on what grounds he has commenced the erection of a large dining hall at the Pale Manor Hostel, Malvern, against the wishes of 95 per cent. of the residents; what will be the total cost of the scheme; and why overtime and Sunday working has been authorised.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Jack Jones)It is our policy to provide a complete service, including food and accommodation, at our hostels for single persons. A separate dining room is being built so that the conditions of residence at Pale Manor Hostel conform with this policy. The total cost will be £1,990. Overtime and Sunday working have been authorised to finish the building quickly.
§ Major ConantCan the Parliamentary Secretary give any estimate of the number of dwelling houses which could be erected for the same expenditure of labour and building materials as is being wasted on this unwanted project?
§ Mr. JonesI do not agree that materials have been wasted. If the hon. and gallant Member will correlate the £1,990 to any particular type of house we are building, he will get the number of houses which this will cover.