HC Deb 25 January 1956 vol 548 cc187-8
15 and 16. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) the cost of erecting Seco huts, providing accommodation for six officers;

(2) the cost, per house, under the last completed contract for the erection of married quarters for aircraftmen built in terraces; and what is the estimated cost of the same accommodation to be built during the current financial year.

Mr. Birch

It would be contrary to established Government practice to disclose contract prices. I can, however, say that I expect that the cost of airmen's married quarters now under construction will be only very slightly in excess of the costs of the last few completed contracts.

Mr. Hall

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that very informative reply, may I ask him whether it is not true that the cost of erecting an aircraftsman's married quarters is £3,500 per three-bedroom house? Is that not vastly in excess of normal building costs, and can he make any comment?

Mr. Birch

It is not so.