HC Deb 25 May 1954 vol 528 cc178-9
3. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Works the reasons for the expenditure of £190,000 on the erection of Embassy offices in Cairo.

Sir D. Eccles

New Embassy offices are required in Cairo to bring all sections of the mission under one roof in efficient and secure working conditions.

Mr. Jay

Is the Minister really satisfied that this is unavoidable? He was such a vociferous advocate of economy when in Opposition; can he not do something to stop this huge expenditure?

Sir D. Eccles

This expenditure was authorised by the previous Government. I am not responsible for the requirements, only for carrying them out.

Mr. Stokes

The Minister having said that, can I ask him if he took the precaution of calling for really competitive tenders?

Sir D. Eccles

I should need notice of that Question, and I will write to the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Jay

Surely the Minister accepts responsibility to this House for these expenses since he presents the Estimates?

Sir D. Eccles

I accept responsibility for the cost of carrying out the policy of the Foreign Office. If the right hon. Gentleman questions that policy, he should put a question to my right hon. Friend.

4. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Works the reasons for the expenditure of £206,370 on erection of staff residences in Singapore.

Sir D. Eccles

This sum covers the construction of flats for senior Foreign Office staff, and a residence for the senior Foreign Office representative in South-East Asia. Building was necessary because there was no other means of housing the staff.

Mr. Jay

Is the Minister aware that many of the wilder demands of the Foreign Office were ruthlessly cut down by the previous Government, and does he not think that it would be good for our prestige abroad to set an example of real economy in these matters?

Sir D. Eccles

Looking at my Estimate for overseas expenditure on new works, I see that it is about half what it was in the last two years of office of the previous Government, but I agree that we should continue to find economies in this Vote.

Mr. Fernyhough

Can the Minister assure us that as a result of this expenditure of over £200,000, these houses will be habitable, comfortable to live in, and will not cause undue inconvenience to those who will reside in them?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, Sir, I think they are very well designed.