§ 27. Mr. Silkinasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether invitations were extended to the architectural profession or to any persons, other than the architect actually selected, to submit plans or ideas for a temporary prefabricated house.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)As indicated by my Noble Friend in another place, the prototype emergency house now on exhibition was developed by my Ministry with the assistance of the consulting architect appointed, the firms concerned, and our scientific advisers.
§ Mr. SilkinCould not outside architects have an opportunity to submit designs?
§ Sir Herbert HoldsworthAre the Government to have a complete monopoly of this type of house and is no one to be asked to estimate for prefabricated houses? Would it not be wise to throw it open?
§ Mr. HicksThis house has been evolved by the Ministry of Works. It has been created by the Government in order that it shall be publicly-owned and licensed. It is an emergency house. It is intended to be temporary, in order to help to tide over a housing difficulty. Consequently, it is not in competition with standard houses.
§ Sir H. HoldsworthWould it not be possible to have other types submitted, and for them still to be publicly controlled, if that is the policy?
§ Mr. HicksThere are other efforts being made at prefabricated houses. They will have to stand on their merits. We are not in competition with them. This house was designed entirely by my Ministry for the purpose of tiding over a difficulty.
§ Sir H. HoldsworthHas the Ministry a complete monopoly?
§ Mr. A. EdwardsCan the Minister tell the House whether the Churchill shelter was designed by an architect?
§ Mr. HicksFor the hon. Member's information, I may say that the Presidents of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Fine Arts Commission have both complimented my Minister on the design of the house.
§ 28. Mr. John Beattieasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what proportion of the steel prefabricated houses known as Churchill houses have been allotted for erection in Belfast where the housing situation has been rendered acute as a result of enemy action; and, in view of the imperial contribution totalling £82,200,000 since the outbreak of hostilities of the six counties of Ulster, will he see that Northern Ireland is allotted a considerable number of these houses.
§ Mr. HicksThe question of allocation of production of the emergency factory-made house does not yet arise. That is a matter for determination by the Government in due course, and the claims of Northern Ireland will no doubt be considered.
§ 29. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether, in considering what electrically operated amenities he will put into the new houses, he has taken into consideration the price per unit of electricity.
§ Mr. HicksThe equipment of the emergency house is designed to give an economic and efficient use of the different methods of heating and cooking. Electrical cookers will not be used unless the price of electricity is suitable.