HC Deb 21 February 1945 vol 408 cc786-7
38 and 39. Captain Gammans

asked the Minister of Works (1) what is the average cost of the different types of temporary huts being erected in the London area;

(2) how many temporary huts have been completed and occupied in the London area; and how many are expected to be ready for occupation by the end of April.

Mr. Sandys

The approximate average cost including components, fixtures and the work of erection is £490 for a Seco hut and £380 for a Curved Asbestos hut. About 800 huts have now been completed, of which nearly 600 are occupied. If the present programmes of local authorities remain unchanged about 3,000 should be completed by the end of April.

Captain Gammans

Is it not a fact that experience is showing that the cost of these huts and the number of man-hours involved are very little less than those involved in putting up much more permanent and much more useful buildings?

Mr. Sandys

That is one of the reasons why more are not being put up.