§ SIR J. BRUNNER (Cheshire, Northwich)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether in view of the fact that several Government Departments have adopted the method of building in reinforced con- 1070 crete, with a resultant large economy and no loss in efficiency, he proposes to persist in requiring from local authorities a shorter term for the repayment of loans for buildings in reinforced concrete than for buildings in the old-fashioned method.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) As I have stated before, I am advised that it is doubtful whether ferro-concrete is a suitable material for permanent structural works under all conditions, and that there is need for caution in dealing with it. Examples have been brought under my notice of the failure of works constructed of this material. There has not been sufficient experience in connection with this matter to enable me to arrive at a definite conclusion with regard to the economy and efficiency of buildings constructed with ferro-concrete, and I am still not satisfied that the periods allowed for the repayment of loans for work so constructed can properly be extended.