§ 9. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied with the condition of the prefabricated houses now arriving from the U.S.A., both as to their general suitability for use and as to interior finish; what life is expected from the ball-valve to the water-waste preventor, and whether there is an adequate supply of replacements readily available for all areas concerned; and how many complaints he has received in respect of these temporary houses.
§ Mr. BevanThe delivery of temporary houses from the United States ceased in September last on the termination of Lend-Lease. I am communicating with the hon. Member on the detailed points he raises.
§ Mr. GammansWould the Minister say if these houses have proved satisfactory, and if it is true that some of them have been re-exported to Australia?
§ Mr. BevanI cannot answer the last part of the question. I am not aware of 1369 any re-exporting. However, we were very grateful for the offer from the United States when it was made, but owing to difficulty with some of the fitments, and some defects in the structure, I was not altogether sorry that 20,000 of them had to be refused under Lend-Lease.
17. Mr. Norman Smithasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that 1,000 Maycrete prefabricated houses are being exported to Holland during the six months from 15th April, I946, at £530 apiece; that the all-in cost, including erection and all services, is less than £800 each; and why these houses are not suitable for use in English rural areas.
§ Mr. BevanI am making inquiries about the transaction referred to. I understand that whilst hutting of this type was used for various purposes during the war, the form of construction was not one of those selected by the Ministry of Works as suitable for the temporary house programme. In reply to the last part of the Question, I will have a technical report sent to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. McKinlayCan I ask the Minister if he will go to Scotland and 'get 400 reasons why these houses should not be exported?