§ 58. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he has given special attention to the probability that timber for house-building purposes will be in short supply for a considerable period; whether suitable substitutes will be available; and whether these substitutes will be utilised in the 3,000 rural, cottages about to be constructed?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe, answer to the first two parts of the Question is that attention is being, given to the matter in consultation with other Ministers concerned and that the Inter-Departmental Committee 840 on methods of house construction is examining all alternative forms of construction. As regards the third part of the Question, the extent to which timber is utilisable and the degree to which substitutes are to be adopted are indicated in the notes on materials and design and the specification notes prepared for the guidance of local authorities by the Ministry of Works, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. I am glad to be able to add that it has now been found possible, as a special measure which cannot form a precedent, to make available timber for the staircase, for the covering of the floor in the living room or parlour, and for joist and boarded floors for the bedrooms.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the question of timber for future house construction is a very grave one indeed? In view of the first part of his answer, could hon. Members be told when results are obtained?
§ Mr. BrownI will consider that, in consultation with my colleagues who are concerned in this particular work.