§ 5. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of repairs to billets and barracks are at present carried out by Royal Engineers' services; and what proportion by civilian contract.
§ Mr. ShinwellApproximately two-thirds of the repairs to War Department accommodation, installations and roads are carried out by Royal Engineers' services using directly employed labour as against approximately one-third by civilian contract.
§ Mr. TurtonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been any change of policy in this matter in recent months and, if so, what is the reason for the change?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe are considering whether it is possible to reduce the amount of directly employed labour though obviously there are a number of duties which the Royal Engineers have to perform.