§ 57. Mr. AMMON(for Mr. SILKIN) asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the hardship caused to many persons of small means who have innocently bought jerry-built houses; and, if so, what action he proposes taking to prevent this evil in the future?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)I am aware of particular cases in which allegations of unsatisfactory building have been made. As the hon. Member is aware, the building industry itself, through the National Federation of Building Trades' Employers, is taking steps, with my encouragement, to establish good house-building standards. The scheme with which I am in close touch includes the framing of a model specification, guarantees and certification, and is now about to come into operation.
§ Mr. THORNEWould it be possible for the surveyors of boroughs to give a certificate of good building?
§ Sir K. WOODI rather think that the local authorities might have something to say about that.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes not the Minister feel that this is one of the evils which necessarily arise from private enterprise?
§ Sir K. WOODThe complaints which reach me have not been confined to private enterprise.
§ Mr. HOPKINSONIs it not a fact that some of the very worst cases are houses build under the original Addison scheme?