HC Deb 04 March 1953 vol 512 cc371-2
14. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Government of Brunei completed only 30 dwelling houses in 1951; and what are the estimated housing needs in the Colony, including housing for sanitary workers.

Mr. Lyttelton

Acute shortage of labour limited construction in 1951. The 30 houses then built provided quarters for 150 employees of Government. Outstanding requirements today are estimated at 150 quarters, all of which should be provided by the end of next year.

Mr. Rankin

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me why the Government of Brunei found it so difficult to get labour and materials to build 30 houses when in the same period the British Malayan Petroleum Company built 284 houses? Where did the company get the materials and labour?

Mr. Lyttelton

That appears to be rather against the argument advanced by an hon. Member opposite just now. It is an argument for private enterprise as against State enterprise.

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