HC Deb 19 November 1947 vol 444 cc194-6W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Works what is the cost of the houses being erected under the supervision of his Department on behalf of the Ministry of Supply for the accommodation of scientific workers employed at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell and their families, at Abingdon, Wantage and Chilton in the county of Berkshire; how many of these houses, both of prefabricated and orthodox types, have been completed and how many are now in course of erection.

Mr. Key

The total estimated cost including site works is £1,174,558. Two hundred and five houses have been handed over, and 347 are in course of construction.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Works how many buses and charabancs have been requisitioned to transfer workers from different parts of Berkshire and the neighbouring counties to work on the Atomic Energy Research Establishment site at Harwell and the satellite housing sites; what is the weekly cost of this transport, and of this figure how much represents the hire of vehicles and how much wages of the drivers, etc.

Mr. Key

No buses or charabancs have been requisitioned for this purpose, but 23 buses and 77 coaches have been hired to carry workmen daily from their collecting centres, mainly the labour camps at Kingston Bagpuize and Grove, to and from work. The hiring charge of £3,200 a week includes the wages of the drivers.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Works what arrangements have been made by the Government to assist the contractors engaged on work at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment site at Harwell and on the satellite housing sites by providing accommodation for workers brought from Ireland and elsewhere; what is the extra allowance paid to these workers over and above the district wage rate fixed under arrangements between local authorities and. the Ministry of Health; and when is it anticipated that these camps and hostels can be closed down as the number of persons employed on the sites is reduced.

Mr. Key

Camps have been provided at Kingston Bagpuize and at Grove (near Wantage). The whole of the labour employed at Harwell, and the satellite housing sites, receives payment and allowances in accordance with the Working Rules of the National Joint Council for the Building Industry, as issued from time to time, except that in the case of Harwell itself the Council has agreed to an exceptional margin of ½d. per hour over the standard rate of payment for the district. It is not possible to state when the camps and hostels can be closed down.