HC Deb 30 January 1951 vol 483 cc709-10
34. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Works how many houses have been or are being built by his Department with sheet copper roofs at Hawkhills, near Easingwold; what is the average total cost of these houses; and what part of the total cost is attributable to the sheet copper roofs.

Mr. Stokes

Six houses have been built with sheet copper roofs at Hawkhills, near Easingwold. Four similar houses are in course of erection there. The average total cost per house is £1,645. The cost of sheet copper roofing is estimated at £52 per house.

Mr. Turton

Is it not a scandalous waste of a very scarce metal at present, and will the Minister look into this matter and also into his policy, in order to conserve metal?

Mr. Stokes

I have already done that. There are just four houses more on this estate. I have been in touch with the Minister of Supply, who agrees that these should be completed. Probably no more such houses will be built.

Mr. Vane

Will the Minister agree that Westmorland slate is cheaper and better?