HC Deb 08 December 1943 vol 395 cc964-5
44. Mr. Butcher

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works how many houses he proposes to build during the first six months of 1944?

Mr. Hicks

I assume the hon. Member has in mind the experimental houses referred to by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Production on Tuesday, 30th November which it is proposed to build to demonstrate the possibilities of various methods of construction A first instalment of 12 houses, in six pairs, is contemplated. In addition, eight other houses are being built for the Building Research Station to enable full-scale scientific research to be made into problems of building construction generally.

Mr. Butcher

Are we to take it that the sole contribution of the Ministry of Works to housing within six months is 20 houses?

Mr. Hicks

My hon. Friend ought to address that Question to the Ministry of Health or the Scottish Department. It is not the policy of my Department to initiate housing schemes. We have nothing to do with that. We only build.

Mr. Stephen

Will any of these 20 houses be built in Scotland?

Mr. Hicks

No, Sir.

Mr. Stephen

Why are none to be built in Scotland?

Mr. Hicks

If the hon. Gentleman will inquire of the Secretary of State for Scotland, he will get his answer.

Mr. Stephen

Did not the hon. Gentleman tell us that this was quite apart from the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State, and that the idea was for his Department to show the types of buildings?

Mr. Hicks

Yes, Sir.

Major Leighton

Where are these houses to be built?

Mr. Hicks

I prefer to wait for a week or so before giving that information.

Mr. Lipson

Are these houses to be built purely for demonstration purposes or will they be available for occupation afterwards?

Mr. Hicks

They are primarily for demonstration purposes, and they will be available for occupation later.