§ Sir JOSEPH WALTONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state to the House the average cost per man of Army hutments erected; and the average cost per man of furnishing them?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe average cost of the hutments erected is about £22 11s. 7d. per man. This includes ali[...] provision for officers, for stabling of horses, and for the r[...]ads, drains, and other external services. 2248W The average cost of furnishing; including kitchens, latrines, and other commons offices, is about £3 5s. per man.
§ Sir J. WALTONasked the Minister of Munitions whether he will state the name of the contractor for the erection of the hutments for miners in Cleveland, the terms of the contract, and the number of miners now resident in the hutments?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYBefore answering this question I desire to take the opportunity of correcting answers which I gave to supplementary questions on this subject on the 26th inst. I then said that I thought a number of miners had been billeted in the Cleveland huts,, and that they had contributed to the increase in output of iron ore which had been secured. When I spoke I had in mind what had been done in another part of the North-Eastern iron-ore fields. The miners brought into the Cleveland district were brought back from the Colours and returned to their own homes. The answer to the question on the Paper is that the contractors for the huts were Messrs. Robert McAlpine and Sons, 2, Central Buildings, Westminster, S.W. The contract was let on a time and materials basis, with a basis of profit based on cost, part of which was 4 per cent. and part 3 per cent. No miners are yet resident in the hutments, but it is hoped shortly to commence drafting in men. Arrangements have been made for surplus accommodation to be loaned to the War Office.