Permanent Houses

HC Deb 28 March 1946 vol 421 cc543-5

3. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Minister of Health the number of workers employed in London on 1st March on the erection of permanent houses; and the number so employed on 1st March, 1939

The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)

At 1st March, 1946, 8,389 men were employed in the London region on the erection of permanent houses and 4,400 on the clearance and preparation of sites. I regret that no records are available of the number so employed on the 1st March, 1939.

13. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health how many different types of permanent prefabricated houses he has recommended to local authorities; and how many of each type have been ordered by local authorities.

Mr. Bevan

The only types of permanent prefabricated houses so far recommended to local authorities are those named in Circular 182/45, of which a copy has already been supplied to the hon. Member. Tenders have been approved for 2,300 Easiform and 862 Orlit houses; and 994 Howard houses have been allocated. Requests are now being received from local authorities for B.I.S.F. houses, but definite figures of the demand for this type of house are not yet available.

Mr. Bossom

Are specimens of these houses to be seen by Members of this House? Is there anywhere in London where they can be seen?

Mr. Bevan

Specimens of these houses can be seen, and in fact have been seen, by the housing committees of local authorities. If hon. Members wish to see the houses I am quite prepared to let them know where the houses are, and, if necessary, to make arrangements for hon. Members to see them.

Mr. Bossom

Will the Minister please do that?

Mr. Bevan

Certainly, Sir.

16. Mr. Lavers

asked the Minister of Health how many permanent prefabricated steel houses the Government proposes to erect; what will be the rate of erection; and is he satisfied that adequate steel supplies are available.

Mr. Bevan

These houses will be provided by local authorities, and I am at present in consultation with the larger authorities in order to settle the numbers for which contracts can he let in the near future. The rate of erection will depend largely on the flow of materials and every effort is being made to secure a steady flow. An adequate allocation of steel is being provided