§ Mr. G. Longdenasked the Minister of Works how many sites and buildings had been completed, and how many were left incomplete, when the building programme for rehabilitation centres for ex-Service men was discontinued; what was the cost involved; whether he is satisfied that these sites and buildings are now being put to the best use; and how many of them have been handed over for development by private industry.
§ Mr. EcclesI assume that the Question refers to the building trades training centres which were set up after the last war to attract Service men into the building industry after demobilisation. The building programme for these centres consisted of the adaptation of 11 existing Government training centres and the provision of 32 new centres, 30 of which were entirely new buildings. The cost of the programme was about £6,400,000. No buildings were left incomplete when the programme was discontinued at the end of 1947, but a few were altered during the course of erection to fit them for other uses.
Of the 43 centres, 10 have been sold or leased in whole or in part to private industry. In the remainder are accommodated 16 Remploy factories, 13 rehabilitation units for the disabled, and 16 Government training centres. The remaining space has been allocated for various Government purposes with a consequent considerable saving in rents,and building costs. I am satisfied that these centres are being put to the best possible use.