HC Deb 09 May 1944 vol 399 c1694
22. Mr. Stourton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements have been made with the Ministry of Works with a view to securing an adequate supply of utility furniture for emergency factory-made houses to be erected under Government direction to meet early post-war housing demands.

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir. I am keeping in close touch with my Noble Friend the Minister of Works in this matter.

Mr. Stourton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that furniture has risen in price by 20o per cent. since the war, and that unless an adequate supply is forthcoming at prices people can afford to pay, the new houses will be of no avail?

Mr. Dalton

That is another point. The cost of utility furniture is strictly controlled. My Noble Friend the Minister of Works is assisting me over the supply of utility furniture. The admirable house which he has erected contains a large quantity of built-in metal furniture, and this saves both wood and the need for movable wooden furniture.