HC Deb 07 March 1956 vol 549 cc2080-1
3. Mr. Bottomley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a statement about the future use of the Royal Marine Barracks, Chatham.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Simon Wingfield Digby)

I can now confirm that the main part of the existing buildings could not be converted satisfactorily or economically for any naval use. The possibility of using the site for a combined dockyard technical college and apprentices training centre is therefore being further examined. This scheme would certainly offer many advantages; it would, however, be costly and it will be necessary to study it in detail before any decision can be reached. There is no possibility of its inclusion before the 1957–58 works programme, for which the scheme would have to be considered on its own merits and in competition with other items.

Mr. Bottomley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that statements of this kind have been made before, to the effect that either the Army or the Admiralty was going to use the Royal Marine Barracks? Is he aware that the barracks have been lying idle for nearly five years, resulting in great waste of public money? Would he consider referring the matter to the Prime Minister as a further indication of a waste of public money, so that some kind of examination could be made?

Mr. Digby

We are most anxious to use the site, and there is quite a good chance now that we have found a good use for it as a new dockyard school.