HC Deb 23 September 1943 vol 392 cc380-1
77. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Health whether the construction above ground level of all the houses under the 3,000 agricultural cottage building programme has now commenced; and whether any have yet been completed and occupied?

Mr. E. Brown

The latest progress returns made by the local authorities show that of the 2,730 houses for which tenders had been approved by the end of August, 1,644 were under construction at that date and 1,055 had reached various stages from dampcourse level upwards, 293 having reached first floor level or a more advanced stage. The number now under construction is 1,974. Two houses have been completed but are not yet occupied and others are on the point of completion.

Major Lyons

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect that these two houses will be occupied, and was the flourish of trumpets last week largely futile?

Mr. Brown

The rural district council asked me to go down, and I went, as I felt it was my duty to do, and saw two very good houses.

Mr. Shinwell

Can we have an assurance that, when the next two are completed and there is an opening ceremony, the right hon. Gentleman will make arrangements with the Minister of Fuel to prevent so many cars being present?

Mr. Brown

That is not my responsibility. The only cars for which I was responsible were one for myself and my staff from Whitehall and one from Tunbridge Wells for the regional staff. There may have been as many Press cars as. any others. That headline story was a sample of the basest kind of journalism.

Major Lyons

How many persons who had nothing to do with the building of the cottages were present?

Mr. Brown

I am sure that question will be regarded with indignation in the district, because most of the people who came were vitally interested both in agriculture and in local government there. This kind of sneering does not do any good.

Mr. De la Bère

If it takes seven months to build two cottages, how many centuries will it take to build 3,000?

Mr. Cluse

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a pledge that in any new housing he is likely to undertake, provision will be made for cupboards?

Mr. Brown

There are cupboards in these houses, but my hon. Friend will understand that just now one of the most difficult problems in housing or any kind of building is, timber.

Major Lyons

On a point of Order. May I ask your guidance, Sir, whether the Minister is in Order in referring to a supplementary question on a matter of fact as a sneer?

Mr. Speaker

If hon. Members would speak up, I might perhaps hear. I have not heard a single word so far.