HC Deb 21 March 1946 vol 420 cc2022-3
70. Mr. Sutcliffe

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases it has been found necessary to supply Arcon houses to local authorities who had prepared sites for Tarran houses; and what action he is taking to ensure that the type of houses suitable to the prepared sites is available.

Mr. Bevan

1,954 Arcon houses have been supplied to sites prepared for Tarran houses in the areas of 36 local authorities in the North of England. Production of Tarran houses is now improving after action taken to assist the producing firm. Production of other types is proceeding as rapidly as labour and materials will allow.

Mr. Sutcliffe

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that to make an Arcon house fit on Tarran foundations one has to turn it completely round back to front, which means that a whole estate which was in tended to face South, would face North?

Mr. Bevan

I am perfectly well aware of the difficulties which have arisen in this matter. We should not be faced with such awkwardness now, if the plans for temporary houses had not been so lop sided in the beginning.