38. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Minister of Health whether he has sanctioned any scheme for building houses of pisé or rammed earth; and whether any particular quality is necessary in the soil to make such construction possible?
§ Dr. ADDISONInquiries have been made of my Department by two local authorities whether the erection of cottages in pisé de terre can be approved, and they have been informed that they can proceed provided that proper supervision is observed. I am advised that the earth to be used should be free from vegetable matter and stones, and that clay is not suitable.
§ Dr. ADDISONIt depends a good deal on local circumstances, the supply of labour, and so forth. I do not think it is fair to make any definite statement
§ Lord R. CECILis the Government considering any experiment with this method of wooden construction?
§ Dr. ADDISONOh, yes. We have had a considerable series of tests.
§ Mr. W. THORNEAre these houses for the working classes to live in?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe do not say at the moment for whom the houses are.