§ 38. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is his latest estimate of the cost of the work he is undertaking at the Polaris base at Faslane; and to what extent the original estimate is likely to be increased, following the rise in the price of cement and other building materials.
§ Mr. Boyden£21 million, including the cost of associated work at Coulport, Helensburgh and elsewhere. We do not expect this estimate to be increased.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the original estimate by the previous Administration was £25 million, which has now gone up, according to the last estimate which I had, to £45 million? Is he aware that we believe that this will be the most expensive white elephant which has ever been erected in Scotland?
§ Mr. BoydenThe total cost of the Polaris base has been given as £45 million, but the part to which I was referring was the work specified in my hon. Friend's Question.
§ Sir C. OsborneAs the Question mentions the rise in the price of cement, could the hon. Gentleman say what is the average price of cement at home and abroad and whether the home price has risen faster than that abroad?
§ Mr. BoydenThe price of cement has not risen.
§ 39. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many construction and building workers were employed at the Polaris base at Faslane during the month of July; and if he will classify the number of building workers now employed there.
§ Mr. BoydenThe latest figure available is for 30th June; 988, of whom 913 are in building trades.
§ Mr. HughesHow does the Minister reconcile these figures with his previous statement that priority would be given to housing? Is he aware that the build- 1114 ings on this Polaris base are taking away the building labour and materials which are necessary for houses, hospitals and schools, and that we do not regard this as one of the great priorities?
§ Mr. BoydenAs I have told my hon. Friend, the policy on this matter is not a matter for my Ministry. The jobs are specified and my Ministry gets on with them, and does so very well. Housing is included in some of these projects.