HC Deb 01 July 1925 vol 185 cc2523-4
63. Major HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health whether he has examined the possibilities of constructing steel houses in Devonport Dockyard, in view of the fact that, if this course could be adopted, not only would the housing shortage in that town be relieved but it would also mean the absorption into employment of numbers of men who have no relief work in the district to go to; and whether he will examine this question in all its bearings?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend has already invited the Plymouth Corporation to undertake the erection of steel houses for demonstration purposes, and understands that they are arranging to do so. My right hon. Friend has no doubt that they will consider the desirability of arranging for the erection of further steel houses in the light of the experiment.

Major HORE-BELISHA

Will the hon. Gentleman indicate to the Plymouth Town Council that this dockyard is available, and that there is plenty of opportunity for building these steel houses?

Sir K. WOOD

I am assuming that the Plymouth Corporation are fully aware of the facts in their own borough.

Mr. PALING

Is the Minister satisfied that these houses have successfully passed the demonstration stage and are to be built because they have been successful?

Sir K. WOOD

No, we are about to erect the houses for purposes of demonstration and to enable the people to judge for themselves.