§ 61. Mr. BAKERasked the Minister of Health whether the veto on the granting to the building guilds of housing contracts of the form known as basic sum contracts, originally approved by his Department under the late housing scheme, is still in force; and whether local authorities are free under the present housing scheme, and will be free under that now in contemplation, to enter into contracts with the building guilds on the basic sum principle with his approval?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThis question is under consideration, and I hope to be able to find means of enlisting the help of the building guilds, but I am unable to make a statement at the present time. I may say generally that I think it is very desirable that contracts should be on a lump sum basis.
§ Mr. BAKERHow soon does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will be able to announce a decision?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am afraid that I am not in a position to say how soon.