§ 23. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, he will withhold his consent to borrowing approval for housing projects submitted by local authorities unless the contract contains a guarantee by the contractor to make good defects appearing in the first two years after completion.
§ Mr. SandysNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ShortIs the Minister aware that many shoddy houses are being built, and that the present system is proving inadequate? Is he also aware that in the case of my own local authority considerable maintenance costs have to be met in respect of houses which have been erected for less than one year, especially for electrical fittings? Will he look at this matter again?
§ Mr. SandysOn the whole this is a matter which local authorities should be allowed to settle for themselves. In most cases they insist upon a period of six months during which defects can be pointed out and repairs done.