HC Deb 11 May 1950 vol 475 c546
2. Mr. Walker-Smith

asked the Minister of Health whether cost limitation is taken into account in the assessment of merit of local authority housing schemes for the purpose of the award of the Ministry of Health Housing Medal.

Mr. Bevan

I do not think it will normally be relevant since the schemes entered in each region will all have been carried out under similar cost limitations. Good design and lay-out, moreover, do not cost more than bad; if anything, they should cost less.

Mr. Walker-Smith

But would not the Minister agree that a good design, economically carried out, would be more deserving of consideration than an equally good design at greater cost?

Mr. Bevan

That will probably be in the minds of those who will be arbitrating.

Mr. Bossom

Is the Minister aware that in New York this policy has been adopted with very great success, and has shown very beneficial results? Will he give it a great deal of consideration.

Mr. Bevan

It is because I have given it consideration that we are making this scheme.