HC Deb 14 July 1938 vol 338 cc1518-9
63. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that all tenders for building contracts in London above a value of £3,000 are first submitted to a trade organisation entitled the London Builders' Conference, which requires the lower tenderers to increase their tenders according to a certain formula; and, as this artificially increases the cost of working-class dwellings in London, will he take steps to protect the London ratepayers and the tenants of the London County Council and borough council houses from this exploitation?

Mr. Elliot

I have seen reference to the arrangements to which the hon. Member refers in the Press, but no sanction from my Department is required for capital expenditure on housing in London, the question whether tenders are reasonable being one for the consideration of the London County Council and the Metropolitan borough councils.

Mr. Strauss

As the Minister is directly interested in the proper housing of the people, surely a builders' ring which puts up the prices of houses in London and outside—because it is going on outside—is of direct interest to the Minister of Health?

Mr. Elliot

I should like the opinion of the London County Council on the matter.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Has the Minister got to the position in which he feels that he cannot make up his mind on issues of public policy which are obviously important, without first of all having the instructions of the London County Council as to what he should do about them?

Mr. Elliot

It has certainly not got to that. It is only that I should like to have whatever help the right hon. Gentleman can give me.