§ 29. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Minister of Works whether he is satisfied with the progress of the building of the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell.
§ Mr. KeyYes. A number of factors contributed to setting back the work as112W compared with the original programme. It was necessary, in order to avoid injuring local housing programmes, to build up a large imported labour force; the project suffered, in common with all other building construction, and more heavily than most, from the difficult weather conditions of last winter; and the novelty of the project introduced other elements of difficulty and delay. I am, however, satisfied with the present position and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply shares my view that the work is making good progress. I am satisfied that the contractors, the sub-contractors, their men, and my own staff are giving of their best.