Viscountess Astorasked the Secretary of State for War how many contracts for military hutments include contracts for huts built with breeze slabs; and on what 1238W dates the first tenders for such huts were asked for and orders placed?
§ Sir V. WarrenderOver 50 contracts have been let since the outbreak of war, which include provision for construction in timber, brick, concrete or such other economical and suitable alternative as may be found desirable in view of the location of each camp. Other similar contracts are now under negotiation, and it is hoped to place a considerable number for further camps next month. The use of breeze block is permissible at the discretion of the local works officer, where it is as suitable and economical as any other alternative, but I could not say, without considerable inquiry, whether any contract has anywhere been let specifically requiring the use of breeze slabs as the main material.