HC Deb 28 June 1948 vol 452 cc1808-9
6. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Works why temporary houses manufactured in Lancashire were recently being transported north by road to Scotland for erection, while similar houses manufactured in Scotland are being transported south by the same road for erection in England.

Mr. Key

There has been no recent transport of temporary houses from Lancashire to Scotland. Aluminium permanent houses are being made at Dumbarton and Gloucester and it has been found more convenient to supply the north of England's requirements from Dumbarton.

Mr. Vane

Is the Minister aware that the type of house which was being transported from Lancashire to Scotland last winter is exactly the same as the type of house which is now coming South down the same road? Is the Minister also aware that the returning lorries never have loads provided for them, and that there is great indignation at this waste of transport and petrol?

Mr. Key

The reason for the houses being transported from Dumbarton to Lancashire at the present time is that production in Lancashire has ceased since last year.

Major Sir Thomas Dugdale

Will the Minister say what he means by the word "recent"? He said that there had been no recent movement of these houses from Lancashire to Scotland.

Mr. Key

Since the cessation of temporary house production in Lancashire. The movement now relates to permanent aluminium bungalows which are being produced at present.

Mr. Vane

Will the Minister try to arrange some form of return load so that this transport does not run empty day after day for long distances?