HC Deb 28 July 1938 vol 338 cc3291-2
48. Mr. De Chair

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the external design of houses being built by rural district councils under grants from the Ministry?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)

I believe that the great majority of houses built by rural district councils, in common with those of other local authorities, are of a good architectural standard. I am very anxious to see amenities preserved and am taking every opportunity of bringing this to the notice of the local authorities concerned.

Mr. De Chair

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of obtaining the collaboration of two or three of the leading architects of the country to put themselves at the disposal of the Ministry to design some really attractive houses which would combine beauty with the maximum comfort, so that whatever little architectural genius we possess in the twentieth century may be spread as widely as possible during this building programme?

Mr. Elliot

It is first necessary to get the good will of the local authorities.

Mr. Dalton

Are not the worst examples of architecture to be found in private enterprise in cheap jerry-built houses?

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