HC Deb 18 April 1923 vol 162 cc2039-40
61. Major HARVEY

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, when the Ministry approved the plans of the 24 houses erected at Totnes under the assisted housing scheme, the advice of local representatives regarding the laying of the floors with a view to preventing dry rot was overruled: that the floors were laid in accordance with the wishes of the Ministry, and that dry rot has now appeared in some of the houses; that a letter containing this information was sent to the Ministry of Health on 14th March, 1923, by the Totnes Town Council, no reply to which had been received on 11th April; and, in view of the impossibility of meeting the cost of repairs out of the 15 per cent. allowance, and of the increasing urgency of the matter on account of the evil effects of the dry rot upon the inhabitants of the houses, what steps he intends to take?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My attention has been drawn to the difficulty which has arisen in this case, and I have instructed an inspector to discuss the matter with representatives of the Council with a view to considering what action should be taken.

Major HARVEY

May I ask whether, in order to avoid a repetition of this sort of thing, the advice of the local authorities will be fully considered in future?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that a case of this kind is likely to arise again.

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