HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 cc1133-4
22. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what were the recent defects discovered in the building of the Polaris depot at Coulport; what repairs and alterations were made; and at what cost.

Mr. Prentice

Underground water seepage has caused dampness in five workshop buildings where very stringent standards of temperature and humidity control are essential. It is costing about £60,000 to put this right by means of grouting and drainage.

Mr. Hughes

As this is supposed to be a very expensive depot in which Polaris missiles are stored, costing, I believe, either £3 million or £5 million, should not the contractors be a little more careful

Mr. Prentice

I think that in this work the contractors have been careful. I am advised that the extent of the water seepage here could not have been foreseen and, further, that there will not be any overall delay in the programme as the result of this work.

Mr. Manuel

Was this site properly surveyed and bore-holes made'? Surely preliminary survey work was a necessity in view of the type of establishment which was to be built. If undertaken, water would have been discovered.

Mr. Prentice

The site was properly surveyed. We are dealing with very unusual buildings where the requirements regarding humidity and temperature are very precise. This is a different kind of building programme from any ordinary one.