Mr. Temple Morrisasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view 1246W of the announcement by his Department that the work of rearmament makes it necessary to curtail its activities on the premises building programme of Government offices, he can indicate what schemes in Wales are accordingly suspended for the time being?
§ Sir P. SassoonThere is no intention of suspending my Department's building schemes in Wales which have already reached a certain stage of advancement; but the pressure of Defence work will probably make necessary an adjustment of the building programme, which may involve the future postponement of less essential activities. Of the schemes for which financial provision was to have been made in the next financial year, work is unlikely to be undertaken in 1939 on four Employment Exchanges, at Aberkenfig, Caerphilly, Holyhead and Ystalyfera.
Mr. David Adamsasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that a number of Employment Exchanges in the country need structural repairs, alterations and additions; whether the policy of replacing unsuitable premises is still to be taken in hand, or whether there is to be a suspension of building activity, and, if so, for what reason?
§ Sir P. SassoonI am aware that a number of Employment Exchanges stand in need of improvement or replacement. There is no present intention of suspending Employment Exchange rehousing, but priority must be given to work on National Defence, and some retardation of Employment Exchange work may therefore be unavoidable. All necessary repairs to existing buildings will be carried out as before.