§ 44. Mr. DENNISONasked the Minister of Health what is the average amount of cement used in the building of a subsidy house; how much foreign cement has been used during the 12 months ending May in the building of subsidy houses; how much cheaper per ton is the foreign cement compared with Scotch manufactured cement; and will he consider the advisability of withholding the subsidy where foreign cement is used?
§ Sir K. WOODIt is estimated that, on an average, about 2½ tons of cement would be required in the construction or a brick subsidy house, in cases where cement is used. I have no information as to the quantity of foreign cement used in the building of subsidy houses. According to recent quotations in Glasgow, the price of Scottish cement (blast furnace) was 47s. 6d. per ton, as compared with 47s. for foreign cement. As regards the last part of the question, Section 10 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, provides that, in approving proposals for the construction of houses, the Minister of Health shall not impose any conditions which would prevent the materials required being puchased in the cheapest market at home or abroad. My right hon. Friend has, therefore, no power to carry out the suggestion of the hon. 28 Member, but the Government have urged local authorities to arrange that all contracts for or incidental to works carried out by them should, in the absence of special circumstances, be placed in this country.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. Gentleman say whether it is not a fact that a great deal of foreign cement is used in these houses?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir; I cannot say that.
§ Mr. HARRISAre not these houses quite expensive enough without adding to their cost by insisting on British-made materials?