§ 77. Mr. Laversasked the Minister of Health whether his Department have yet decided what standard equipment will be fitted to, or permitted in, the interiors of houses which are to be built by local authorities; and how much of this equipment will be made by the Government in ordnance factories situated in the development areas.
§ Mr. KeyThe equipment to be provided in permanent houses built by local authorities is that recommended in Housing Manual, 1944, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, which lays down general standards prescribed by British standard specifications, but allows freedom of choice among articles complying with these requirements. As regards the production of housing fitments in Government factories, I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 21st May.
§ Mr. LaversIs the hon. Gentleman aware that both employers and representatives of the trade unions in factories engaged on this work are concerned because they allege that either the Ministry of Works or the Ministry of Health cannot make up their minds as to the 1355 type of fitments they require, with the result that local authorities are experiencing a shortage?
§ Mr. KeyIt is left to local authorities to make up"Their minds as to the particular types of fitment they require. Arrangements have already been made for the wholesale production of a very large number of fitments.