HC Deb 15 July 1969 vol 787 cc378-9
2. Sir E. Errington

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works why no steps have been taken at Willems Park, Aldershot, since October, 1968 when the attention of the Ministry of Defence was drawn to the inadequate height of the top floor parapet, with consequent danger to young children; and whether he will ensure that this will be remedied without waiting for the proposed strengthening of the whole building.

Mr. John Silkin

I am grateful to the hon. Member for drawing my attention to this point. We propose to fix a railing to the tops to make them safer. I am arranging for the railings to be fixed as soon as possible.

Sir E. Errington

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman why there has been this delay? This matter was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Defence in October last, and there is a grave risk that children playing on the top parapet may fall over. May I be assured that This will not await the general strengthening of the flats at Willems Park?

Mr. Silkin

It was intended that it should await the general strengthening, but I have come to the conclusion that, in view of the time lag, it should be put into operation earlier. At the time when the right hon. and learned Member for Hexham (Mr. R ippon) gave the original instructions for the height of the balustrades, the height given was 3 ft. 6 in. This has been increased, on my instructions, to about 4 ft. 3 in., and we hope that this will remedy the matter.

Mr. Crawskaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the matters raised in the last two Questions have caused great concern about the people responsible for giving specifications for these projects? Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter, and perhaps deal with people who specify pipes that are not adequate to take hot water?

Mr. Silkin

In reply to the hon. Member for Aldershot (Sir E. Errington) I said that the matter was subject to investigation.