§ 38 and 40. Mr. Frankelasked the Minister of Works (1) whether, in view of the newly announced Government policy on housing, he will make an early statement to the House;
(2) what contracts have been entered into for building and construction of Portal type prefabricated houses; the names of the firms; and what loss is likely to be incurred by the changed Government policy.
§ Mr. SandysI assume that these Questions refer to recent Government statements to the effect that we are aiming at changing over from temporary to permanent house building more quickly than had originally been anticipated. If this change-over proves practicable, it will ultimately result, not in any loss, but in a very substantial economy. The necessary technical studies and experimental work are being pressed forward. As soon as these are completed I will make a further statement to the House. In regard to the first two parts of Question No. 40, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 1st February, and to the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Sir R. Acland) on 6th December, of which I am sending him copies.
§ Mr. FrankelWill the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of the changes announced by the Government, issuing a White Paper to the House as soon as possible?
§ Mr. SandysI will consider the most appropriate way of informing the House of the Government's policy.