§ 66. Mr. J. BECKETTasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the disadvantage or otherwise of stamped metal ceilings; whether he is aware that these ceilings permit water to ooze through from one floor to another; that the dripping from the condensation upon 1508 them is unhealthy and unpleasant; and that the Gateshead Town Council, after having one trial ceiling fitted, decided lo revert to plaster ceilings; and whether he will issue advice to local authorities considering housing schemes with regard to their utility.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that, stamped metal ceilings have been criticised on the grounds stated in the question; but I understand that the Gateshead Town Council abandoned the experiment of using them because the local plasterers threatened to strike if it was continued. In answer to the last part of the question, I am quite prepared to give advice where desired to any local authorities in respect of methods of new construction experiments, which I desire to encourage as much as possible.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that a previous answer to that question gave reasons why the local plasterers threatened to go on strike?
§ Mr. BECKETTMay I ask for what reason, if any, the Plasterers' Union protested, and whether there was a strike or not?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI understand that they threatened to strike, and that in consequence of that the Gateshead Town Council did not go on with the experiment they were trying.
§ Mr. BECKETTBut why?