§ 36. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the complaint, submitted to him, that the building of six agricultural cottages by the Burnham-on-Crouch Urban District Council has been delayed because his Department refused to approve designs for these cottages, which had already been approved for use in the council's housing scheme, and insisted on the preparation of different plans; and if he will make a statement on the facts of this case and on his Department's policy in such cases.
§ Mr. BevanYes, Sir. The plans, as approved for a large urban scheme, are not considered suitable for agricultural cottages. To save time and trouble the council have been furnished with standard plans prepared by my Department.
§ Mr. DribergCan my right hon. Friend explain why a design which was considered suitable a few months earlier is not now considered suitable? Is it because of a higher standard for agricultural cottages or because of a different type?
§ Mr. BevanFirst of all, designs are being improved all the while and designs today are much superior to those approved last year. Then, agricultural cottages meet a different need from urban cottages.