41. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Housing Commissioner in Birmingham is ruling that living rooms in new houses shall not be more than eight feet from floor to ceiling, and that no wash-basin shall be fixed in the bath room, although the provision of a wash-basin saves labour and is a great convenience; and whether this attitude on the part of the Housing Commissioner is based upon the Regulations in force?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am advised that as a general rule eight feet is a sufficient height for rooms in approved housing schemes, and I have accordingly adopted this height as a standard, though I am prepared to allow a greater height where special circumstances appear to require it. I agree that wash-basins are a convenience, but where a bath is provided they cannot be regarded as essential, and in view of the present very high cost of building houses I cannot agree to them being brought into account for Government financial assistance. It is, of course, open to local authorities to exceed the standards laid down by my Department on the understanding that they will themselves bear the extra cost involved.