§ 46. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Works to what extent he is using labour otherwise available for house building for the building arrangements in, and around, Westminster Abbey in connection with the Coronation.
§ Mr. EcclesThe number of men employed in the Abbey who might otherwise have been employed on housing is 95, but none of them was drawn from housing work.
§ Mr. HughesAre no building workers to be employed on the Annexe, which is estimated to cost £50,000, and could the Minister explain why that Annexe is necessary at a time when the housing position is so difficult?
§ Mr. EcclesThe figure I gave included all the work in the Abbey and the Annexe together. I do not think that the public grudge this modest expenditure of materials on the preparations for the Coronation.
§ Mr. HughesIs it not a fact that Members opposite objected to the cost of 842 the building of the Festival of Britain, which lasted for a much longer time? Is it in accordance with Her Majesty's wish, sent to local authorities, that there should be economy and simplicity, that the Minister should set such a bad example?
§ Mr. EcclesThe Prime Minister, in answer to a Question before Christmas, gave the reasons why there has to be an Annexe. I am quite satisfied that the conduct of the Coronation requires it. I do not see any comparison between the Festival of Britain and the Coronation.