§ 59. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to ensure that houses to be 2001 constructed according to the new building scheme in Trinidad shall conform at least to the £135 standard?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe design of houses built in Trinidad is governed by existing legislation, in which certain minimum permissible standards are laid down. I understand that the cost of a type of house which would conform to these standards has been roughly estimated at approximately £135.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is some agitation against the proposal to build houses of this type, and will he use his influence or take steps to prevent any lowering of the standard of the houses?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThere is no suggestion in recent legislation of a lowering of the standard. The cost of houses must vary, and in a tropical country there is not the same necessity for chimneys.
§ Mr. SorensenBut is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is some agitation in the district in the direction of getting a much cheaper type of house, on the ground that £135 is too much for a house of this kind?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI have not heard anything of that. Such information as I have suggests if anything that the standard should be raised.