§ 10. Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how much were the total administrative costs, including members' remuneration, incurred by the Cwmbran Development Corporation in the years ended March, 111W 1960, March, 1961, and March, 1962, respectively; and, in view of the fall in the number of houses completed by the Corporation from 451 in the year ended March, 1961, to 115 in the year ended March, 1962, whether he is satisfied with the present administrative costs.
Dr. HillThe amounts, in round figures, are £131,000, £144,000 and £152,000. The 115 houses are part of a much larger contract, but in addition work has gone ahead steadily on planning for the larger population, building the town centre and preparing further housing contracts. I am satisfied that the costs are reasonable.
§ 11. Mr. Abseasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many were employed in the architects' department of the Cwmbran Development Corporation in the years ended March, 1960, March, 1961, and March, 1962, respectively; upon what terms and conditions the chief architect is being released from full-time employment with the corporation; and, in view of the continued fall in the number of houses being completed, whether he is satisfied that the staff of the department are employed to full advantage.
Dr. HillThe corporation informs me that the architectural staff for the years mentioned were 13, 13 and 14. The corporation also tells me that the chief architect resigned so that he can re-enter private practice. On the question whether the staff are employed to full advantage, I am not satisfied with the rate of progress and this is being discussed with the corporation.