§ 18. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Works how many houses with sheet copper roofs have been built by his Department in the last 12 months; how many are in course of construction; and whether he consulted the Ministry of Supply before embarking on this method of house construction.
§ Mr. StokesNo houses with sheet copper roofs have been built by my Department in the last 12 months, except the four now under construction to which I referred in my reply of 30th January to the hon. Member. These houses were planned over a year ago, and as there were no restrictions on the use of copper at that time, consultation with the Ministry of Supply was then unnecessary.
§ Mr. TurtonWhy was it that these houses were continued at the time when copper was extremely scarce, in the summer and autumn?
§ Mr. StokesI have explained that already. They were put in hand in the first place because of the desire to save timber, and indeed there was also a saving in the overall cost of the houses. Now they have been continued with the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.