Oral Answers to Questions — Building Construction (Expert Advice).

– in the House of Commons at on 25 March 1941.

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Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Chislehurst

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, with a view to getting more efficient, economic and rapid production, he will appoint a well-known firm of contractors as directors of construction on behalf of the Government and thus have the benefit at first-hand of their expert knowledge and experience?

Photo of Mr George Hicks Mr George Hicks , Woolwich East

My Noble Friend is alive to the necessity for ensuring efficiency, economy and speed in building construction, and I can assure my hon. Friend that full advantage has been and is being taken of outside control and other expert advice and assistance. He is not, however, prepared to agree that the appointment of a firm of contractors as directors of construction would be a desirable course to adopt in regard to the Government building programme.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Chislehurst

Will the Minister, as far as is possible, employ and use the experience of firms which have expert knowledge in carrying out large contracts and so avoid waste and extravagance?

Photo of Mr George Hicks Mr George Hicks , Woolwich East

I can assure the hon. Member that no opportunity is missed of consulting employers and operatives in order that their advice may be available to assist us in carrying out the programme.

Photo of Mr Richard Stokes Mr Richard Stokes , Ipswich

Will my hon. Friend assure us that people who merely have qualifications as quantity surveyors will not be put in charge, otherwise we shall have a repetition of the Militia camp scandal?