37. Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Minister of Health whether he has made any inquiries or arrangements for the production of standardised types of wooden houses on a large scale, and whether he has had any communication with the Agent - General for British Columbia as to the details of the scheme outlined by him in his letter to the "Times" of 3rd December?
§ Dr. ADDISONParticulars of various types of timber-framed bungalows, which have been examined and approved by my Department, will be found on page 4 of Command Paper 426. My Department have been in communication with the Agent-General for British Columbia, and I am still awaiting estimates which were asked for on my behalf at the beginning of October.
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman promoting the policy of wooden houses, and is he aware of the extensive use made of wooden houses in the United States, some dating back to the seventeenth century?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am well aware of it, and have stated on several occasions that steps will be taken.
39. Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Minister of Health what firms have offered to supply wooden houses; how many have been offered; and at what prices?
§ Dr. ADDISONI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Command Paper 426, on page 4, of which he will find the names of the firms which have offered to supply timber for bungalows. Since the Command Paper in question was issued, two additional firms have offered to supply wooden houses. The output of each firm would average twenty-five houses per week, and the prices average.£650 per house.
§ Dr. ADDISONThree bedrooms, sitting room and kitchen.
§ Dr. ADDISONA large number of them have been utilised. I think there is a question down for to-morrow on the subject.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to invite those who are so anxious for wooden huts and Army huts which are now unoccupied to be transferred from the houses which they inhabit and let the working classes get into them?