HC Deb 19 January 1944 vol 396 cc163-4
37. Mr. Driberg

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works if he will invite 20 average housewives, at present living in overcrowded conditions in the districts in which 20 experimental houses are to be built in 1944, to occupy these houses with their families rent free for a reasonable period of time, so that the various Departmental experts may have the benefit of their practical observations based on actual experience.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)

The houses, which will illustrate various methods of construction, will be required at first for demonstration and inspection purposes. When it is possible to arrange for the houses to be occupied their letting to those most in need of accommodation will be arranged by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health in consultation with the local authority.

Sir H. Williams

Are these houses likely to be completed more rapidly than others which have been planned?

Mr. Hicks

They will be completed as quickly as possible.