HC Deb 02 November 1954 vol 532 cc181-2
1. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Minister of Works why an allocation of steel was granted by his Department for the building of the Royal Sailors Home Club in 1950, in view of the fact that no steps have been taken to complete the building.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Nigel Birch)

An allocation of steel at the rate of 75 tons per quarter was granted when a building licence was issued for the first part of the rebuilding scheme, which was completed in October, 1953. I understand that work may be resumed shortly.

Brigadier Clarke

I am sure my constituents will be glad to hear that the work will be resumed shortly, but I understand that there is no money to resume the work shortly, and I am surprised that this allocation of steel was granted at a time when steel was so short.

Mr. Birch

That, of course, was done by the previous Government.