§ Mr. HOODasked the Secretary of State for War when the reconstruction 289W and renovation of Wellington Barracks was begun; when it is anticipated the work will be completed; what is the estimate of the cost of the reconstruction and renovation; and whether there has been any delay in carrying on the work?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe work of reconstructing and renovating Wellington Barracks has not yet actually been commenced, but there has been no delay in carrying out the necessary preliminaries. The estimated total cost of the work is £140,000, of which £25,000 has been provided in the Army Estimates for 1921–22 and was included in the Vote on Account recently agreed to by this House. It is anticipated that it will take three years from the date of commencement to complete the work with all accessory buildings. One battalion is at present accommodated in the barracks, but it is hoped that after about two years the work will be sufficiently advanced to accommodate two battalions, the second being the battalion from Wimbledon.