HC Deb 09 July 1940 vol 362 cc1103-4W
Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will give directions that neither men nor materials shall be used for buildings other than those within reasonable distance of completion and essential for war purposes; and whether he is aware that while possible targets for enemy bombers are being protected, new targets are being built for no apparent purpose and that this waste of labour and material is inconsistent with appeals for extra war effort and economy?

Mr. Greenwood

The building programme of the Government has recently been reviewed so as to concentrate the available resources of labour and materials upon the acceleration of vital works nearing completion, and arrangements have been made to divert labour and materials to these works from others of less immediate urgency. If the hon. Member will bring to my notice any case in which work is proceeding on a Government building which does not appear to be of urgent national importance I will gladly make inquiries.