HC Deb 25 November 1959 vol 614 cc354-5
28. Mr. Willis

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed to commence the provision of new permanent living accommodation for the artificer apprentices at Rosyth.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

We plan to provide new living accommodation for the artificer apprentices in H.M.S. "Caledonia" as soon as the necessary funds are available. I hope to include the first half of the project, which will cost £225,000, in the 1961–62 works programme and the rest later on.

Mr. Willis

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we have been told a number of times in the past that we would get this accommodation when the money was available? Could not he really make an effort to see that this work is commenced during the next financial year?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I am afraid that this is a question of priorities. We are anxious to try to renew all the old accommodation as quickly as we can, but there are many demands on the programme. There is not only living accommodation. There is also instructional accommodation and much else which has to take its place. But we are sympathetic to the need to hurry on with this programme.