HC Deb 10 June 1952 vol 502 cc26-7
58 and 59. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what steps he takes to satisfy himself, before Exchequer subsidies are paid, that newly-completed council houses are not jerry-built;

(2) whether, since expenditure of public money on subsidies is involved, he will inquire into the jerry-building of council houses by private builders on the Bartley Green and Rednal Estates of Birmingham City Council.

Mr. Marples

It is a condition of grant in respect of new dwellings that the certificate of completion by the surveyor or other authorised officer of the local authority shall state that the dwellings have been constructed in a proper and workmanlike manner. As regards the specific cases mentioned, my right hon. Friend has made inquiries and has been informed that certain constructional defects disclosed in a relatively small number of houses have been remedied by the contractors at their expense.

Mr. Chapman

Is the Minister aware that there are quite scandalous defects in these houses? I have sent some of the details to him. Is he content to take no action when there is a gross waste of public money and materials, when there is culpable neglect on somebody's part in housing people in decent houses and great inconvenience to great numbers of people who are moved out or have half their houses demolished? Is this not quite a bad case?

Mr. Marples

The reason for the constructional defects was that the chimney flues incorporated a liner recommended by the Building Research Station for the erection of a particular type of approved heating appliance and the liner proved defective in a few houses. Their use required more supervision during construction than can normally or reasonably be given. Therefore, the use of this liner has been discontinued. It is not accurate to ascribe the whole blame in these cases to private enterprise.

Mr. Chapman

But that was only part of the trouble which I put to the hon. Gentleman. There are actual cases of houses being built which are so damp that people are being moved out just after they have been put into them. The hon. Gentleman has given only half the case.

Mr. Marples

Inquiries my right hon. Friend made show that the district surveyor inspected and approved these houses with the exception of those few with the particular defects I have mentioned.