§ 24. Mr. Rossasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how much of the £10,750,000 for building and engineering services this year will be spent in Scotland; and what will be the estimated employment provided.
§ Mr. RipponAbout £900,000. This will be the equivalent of work for about 800 to 1,000 men throughout the year.
§ Mr. RossThis is not as satisfactory as one might have hoped. Can the Minister say how it compares with last year?
§ Mr. RipponIf the hon. Gentleman puts that Question on the Order Paper, I will answer it. These figures, of course, relate only 10 a fairly limited part of the total expenditure of the Ministry in Scotland. This vote covers only the operations of lifts, and boilers, and painting, repairs and replacements. We try to strike a fair balance and to do as much work in Scotland as we can. But it must be related to the buildings in Scotland.