HC Deb 19 March 1951 vol 485 cc2092-3
32. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the global value of current building licences issued to the British Electricity Authority, including the regional, area and sub-area organisations of the Electricity Authority, for new offices and administrative centres; the aggregate of steel, timber, cement and bricks involved; and to what extent this building programme will now be curtailed in view of the needs of the defence programme, productive industry, and the housebuilding programme.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Figures are not readily available of the value of authorised building work at present in progress, but during 1950 and 1951 I have authorised the 14 divisions of the British Electricity Authority and the 14 area boards to proceed with 102 projects for new offices and administrative centres, and for structural alterations to existing offices and centres. The estimated cost of these projects amounted in all to £400,709. About 75 standards of softwood would be required, but as no licences are needed for steel, cement and bricks the figures of the quantities of these materials which are required are not available. These works have no priority, and will not, therefore, interfere with urgent work for the defence programme. I cannot say to what extent the defence programme may make it necessary to defer them.

Mr. Nabarro

In view of the very considerable building resources which are being devoted to building these electricity offices, will the right hon. Gentleman now consider diverting the materials to building houses for the homeless, instead of palaces for bureaucrats?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Building for the electricity industry, which is growing on an immense scale, with great new investments and rapidly expanding supplies, amounts to.02 per cent. of the building of the country.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

When the right hon. Gentleman issues his plans, is final approval given, or has the board concerned to get the necessary permits which apply to any private citizen?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I would like notice of that question.