HC Deb 10 May 1927 vol 206 cc206-7
42. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Minister of Health whether he has had his attention drawn to the poor quality of timber recently used in the construction of houses subsidised by the Government; and whether he will make inquiry to ascertain the extent of this evil and the steps necessary to remedy it?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to a newspaper article on this subject, but cases of complaint reaching him in regard to subsidised houses have been extremely rare. One of the conditions of grant approved by the Treasury requires that the materials used must be of good quality, and the surveyor or other authorised officer of the local authority has to certify, inter aria, that the houses have been constructed in compliance with the requirements of this condition. My right hon. Friend has no doubt that the officers of local authorities perform their duties with care in this matter.

Captain GARRO-JONES

If I send copies of complaints which I have received, not from the Press but from the people directly concerned in the building of these houses, will the hon. Gentleman make a thorough examination and ascertain whether any steps can be taken to deal with these cases?

Sir K. WOOD

Yes, I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will send them to me.