HC Deb 29 April 1952 vol 499 cc1195-6
2. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Works, in view of the fact that the Kent County Council has a claim against his Department for reinstatement of the premises and site known as Halstead Place, Kent, of £6,037 5s., if he will state who was responsible for allowing this property to deteriorate; and if he will take disciplinary action against those concerned.

Mr. Eccles

Neither the extent of the dilapidations nor the amount of my Department's liability has yet been agreed. I see no ground at present to consider any disciplinary action.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that I visited Halstead Place yesterday? The fabric appears to be in quite good order. Cannot something be done to save the building, in view of the strong local opinion? Would it not be much cheaper to repair it than to pull it down and build a new one? Is this not further evidence of the evils of State control and the waste of public money?

Mr. Eccles

I hope that the result of the report will be to show that the building is worth repair.