§ 36. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what is the smallest type of temporary housing contemplated for post-war use over a short period.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. George Hicks)The emergency factory-made house, of which prototypes have been on exhibition, has a total internal area of 655 sq. ft., including the shed. No smaller house than this is at present in contemplation.
§ 37. Sir I. Alberyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works how many types of temporary housing are at present being considered; and whether industrial firms have been invited to plan and submit designs in various materials for this purpose.
§ Mr. HicksA very large number of suggestions and ideas in regard to semipermanent houses have been put forward and are being worked on by different interests, most of them still however being in a preliminary stage. Three definite proposals for an alternative type of emergency house, making use of other materials, are now being examined in detail by my Ministry. Others will be considered as they are developed by their sponsors.
§ Sir I. AlberyMay I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he will reply to that part of the Question which asks whether industrial firms have been invited to plan and submit designs?
§ Mr. HicksThe answer is that it is a national undertaking. No one has ever been denied the opportunity of putting forward ideas and making his contribution. Any firm that has an idea, and can make a contribution, will be particularly welcome.
§ Mrs. Cazalet KeirDid I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that there are to be several sizes, as well as several types?
§ Mr. HicksNo, I said in reply to the previous Question, that there was at present no size smaller than that of 655 superficial feet.
§ Mr. SilvermanWhat is the definition of a "semi-permanent" house?
Mr. AstorHow can these firms submit designs, if the Government do not release draughtsmen to work on the plans?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is another question.