§ 22. Mr. Hyndasked the Minister of Health whether, in plannning for new houses, he will consider the desirability of providing for telephone installation in every dwelling; and whether he will consult with the Postmaster-General in regard to the advantages and practicability of providing this amenity.
§ Mr. WillinkI am at present considering in consultation with my colleagues the advice to be given to local authorities regarding the planning and equipment of post-war dwellings and my hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind. In considering all such suggestions we are, however, bound to take into account the effect of the extra expenditure on rents.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonIn communicating with the local authorities, will the Minister deal with the difficulty that arises through enormous sums of money being paid in architectural and quantity surveyors' fees for work on quite a small number of houses? Cannot that expenditure and delay be avoided?
§ Mr. WillinkArchitects' fees are often if not always well-earned but that is an entirely different question from the main Question, which deals with telephone installations.