Building Costs (Review)

HC Deb 05 June 1947 vol 438 cc374-5

40. Mr. Bing

asked the Minister of Health what further steps he proposes to take to review the cost of house building.

Mr. Bevan

I shall continue to exercise the closest control over the cost of house building by local authorities. In addition, I have appointed an independent Committee whose terms of reference are: to consider and keep under review the costs of house building and to make recommendations. The Chairman will be John Girdwood, Esq., C.B.E., and the members will be: D. N. Chester, Esq., C. H. James, Esq., A.R.A., F.R.I.B.A., W. K. M. Slimmings, Esq., D. H. Daines, Esq. The Secretary of the Committee is Mr. E. J. S. Clarke, of the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Bing

Can the Minister give the House an assurance that this Committee will investigate not only the cost of traditional houses, but also the cost of the houses built in conjunction with the Iron and Steel Federation?

Mr. Bevan

It will investigate the cost of all houses.

Mr. George Hicks

Will the Minister give us the terms of reference of this committee?

Mr. Bevan

I said that they were; to consider and keep under review the costs of house building and to make recommendations.