§ 39. Mr. MYERSasked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of contracts for the erection of houses by building guilds which have been approved by his Department, with the number of houses embraced by these contracts; and if he can give an assurance that it is the settled policy of his Department to approve contracts with building guilds, provided that the general terms of the contracts are satisfactory?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Ministry of Health have approved eight contracts, comprising 1,003 houses, between local authorities and building guilds. These contracts form part of certain experimental proposals, in which the guild take the contract for the whole of the work, the number of which will be limited until the working of the guild system has been shown to be satisfactory. A form of contract is now being prepared for use in cases where the local authority desire to build administratively, providing for materials and transport, and to employ a guild as contractors for labour. This arrangement, if adopted, will provide for the guild opportunities additional to the limited number of contracts referred to. It is the policy of the Ministry to approve suitable contracts with building guilds or other persons able and willing to erect houses on reasonable terms.