HC Deb 20 March 1947 vol 435 cc574-6
24. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Health whether the Maycrete prefabricated bungalow which is being exported to Holland in considerable quantities is suitable or can be adapted for rural Britain; and whether the rural district councils will be enabled to make use of this type of bungalow to meet their urgent housing needs.

Mr. J. Edwards

There is no proof as yet, on the evidence available, that this system can provide satisfactory permanent dwellings. There are other prefabricated systems of tested endurance available to rural districts, in particular the Airey house, which has been specially designed for them.

Mr. Dye

In view of the need for additional houses in agricultural areas at the present time, and of the need that will arise in certain parts of the country as the result of the floods, would it not be advisable to make these houses available to this country, rather than to export them to Holland, together with all their fittings?

Mr. Edwards

I am sure that my hon. Friend would not expect me to agree that we should support the use of houses about whose endurance powers we are not satisfied.

Captain Crookshank

Could they not be used as a temporary remedy, because the shortage is serious?

Mr. Edwards

I am not satisfied that we should use our resources in this way when other methods, of which I have already given an indication, are open to us.

Mr. Stubbs

Is my hon. Friend aware that this type of house has stood the test, and would really be very useful if adopted?

Mr. Edwards

My information is all to the contrary.

Mr. Dye

Will my hon. Friend look at this again, with a view to seeing whether these houses can be used immediately in this country, rather than exported?

26. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister. of Health if he will withdraw his regulation that there must be four habitations built by a local authority for every one built by a private individual when agricultural cottages are under consideration.

Mr. J. Edwards

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 25 and 26 of the White Paper on the Housing Programme for 1947. My right hon Friend is ready to consider special cases on merits.

Mr. Bossom

In view of the terrific loss caused in the rural areas due to this regulation, and the inability of local authorities to provide houses for private individuals, will the hon. Gentleman not abandon this regulation for rural areas, and allow them to get the houses for people to live in?

Mr. Edwards

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the best way of providing the maximum number of houses is by providing the greater number to let.