HC Deb 10 May 1944 vol 399 cc1907-8
66. Mr. Hugh Lawson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works if he will erect a small number of prefabricated steel houses in various parts of the country for immediate occupation so that the opinions of the occupants may be sampled before mass production starts.

Mr. Hicks

The prototype had to be constructed by hand, and it will therefore not be possible to arrange for the erection of a number in various parts of the country for occupation before production starts.

Mr. Lawson

Can the Parliamentary Secretary make arrangements for at least one or two more of these houses to be built, so that they may be lived in by ordinary people before the job goes into mass production?

Mr. Hicks

The Ministry of Health is now responsible for distributing the tickets to view, and this has been designed to ensure that representatives from all areas should have an opportunity of viewing the house. I am afraid that, at the present time, I am unable to entertain the suggestion that more should be built for the purpose of enabling people to live in them before it is decided to go into production.

67. Captain Gammons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works if he will publish detailed costs of the prefabricated house erected near the Tate Gallery.

Mr. Hicks

As my hon. and gallant Friend will understand, it is impossible to ascertain accurate costs until the prototype has been erected and the information as to labour, capacity and materials has been made available. This was fully explained by my Noble Friend in another place last week, when he stated that he was aiming at a figure of £550 per house.

Captain Gammans

Could the Minister say how the estimate of £550 is made up?

Mr. Hicks

Labour, materials and fittings.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Will the Minister give an assurance that the criticisms of hon. Members of this House will be fully considered before any large orders are given for construction?

Mr. Hicks

The suggestions which hon. Members have made after viewing the house are being reviewed by my Department and will be taken into consideration before final production is agreed upon.