HC Deb 15 March 1923 vol 161 cc1818-9W
Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what. is the present position of Hinaidi camp, near Bagdad; what buildings are in course of erection; whether there is any postponement or cancellation of commitments; and what is the cost to date of that camp, and the total estimated expenditure?

Sir S. HOARE:

The necessary information has now been obtained, and the answer is as follows:

As regards the first part of the question, the present position of the Hinaidi camp is as follows:

When the Air Force assumed control the Army had partially completed the accommodation required for the military garrison. This accommodation has been adapted and modified to meet altered conditions.

The following programme of works services to meet Air Force requirements has been entered upon:

  1. (a) Regimental and technical accommodation for six squadrons of the Royal Air Force.
  2. (b) An aircraft depot with complete repair facilities for aeroplanes and transport and storage for technical and ordnance stores.
  3. (c) A main hospital containing 600 beds for British and Indian personnel.
  4. (d) Power-house and plant for the generation of electric lights and power, so as to render the Force independent of outside supply.
  5. (e) The formation of a bind or bank around the camp to assist defence and prevent flooding.
The major portion of the above work approximately 70 per cent., has been completed.

As regards the second part of the question, the chief buildings which are in actual course of erection and most of which are nearing completion, are as follow:

  1. (a) Technical and regimental accommodation for the aircraft depot.
    2. 1819
  2. (b) Technical and regimental accommodation for two squadrons of the Royal Air Force.
  3. (e) The British section of the main hospital.
  4. (d) Power-house and plant.
  5. (e) Recreation rooms and institute.
As regards the third part, the original Air Force scheme was framed to meet. only the most essential needs of the garrison and no curtailment nor postponement of the services included has been possible. other than postponement necessitated by the difficulties inseparably connected with the execution of works services in Iraq.

As regards the last part of the question, the cost of the camp to date is approximately £980,000 and the total estimated expenditure, under Army and Air Votes, is £1,300,000. This total includes services estimated to cost £90,000 which have not yet been started and which will receive further consideration in connection with Estimates for 1924–25.