HC Deb 30 March 1944 vol 398 cc1540-1
49. Mr. J. H. Hollins

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the Building Research Station has reported on the prefabricated steel structure for houses; and whether he will arrange for this report, together with the plans and model, to be placed on exhibition in the House for the benefit of Members.

Mr. Hicks

I have been asked to reply. I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the temporary house to which the Prime Minister recently referred. The Building Research Station has been associated with the development from the outset, step by step. There has thus been no formal report. The prototype will be completed at the end of April. It will be conveniently situated for inspection by hon. Members who will be given the first opportunity to view it.

Sir O. Simmonds

Could the Minister try to find a better word than "prefabrication" in order to make these houses attractive to those who will live in them?

58. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he will name the private firms which the Government will harness to the work of making prefabricated houses; and whether he will publish a statement showing what will be the financial arrangements between these firms and the Government.

Mr. Hicks

As soon as the prototype is finally approved, the Government will enter into firm contracts with suitable firms on normal lines so as to secure the fullest use of the productive capacity available.

Sir R. Acland

When that happens, will the details of the firms, the financial terms and such like be published to the community, or will they remain secret?

Mr. Hicks

I think the hon. Member had better ask that question later, when the contracts are entered into.

Sir R. Acland

Would the Minister say how I may know when to ask the question?

Mr. Hicks

I do not know that it is the general rule that, in every contract entered into by a Government Department, the details should be published. I do not know any reason why we should not give information in this case. There is nothing underhand about it, but I do not think it is the general rule.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Are not the names of the firms in question already known?

Mr. Hicks

No, not yet.