§ 43. Mr. W. Wellsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether his Department will accept financial responsibility for defects that are common to a type of non-traditional house whose construction has been authorised by his Department.
§ Mr. SandysOnly in exceptional circumstances.
§ Mr. WellsIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that with the B.I.S.F. type of house, and many other similar types, there is an additional fire risk which causes local authorities to have to bear a highly inequitable burden of expenditure? Is he further aware that the Ministry of Works laid down the specifications for these houses? Is not the Minister's refusal to accept responsibility for them a symptom of his prejudice against local authorities?
§ Mr. SandysThe last remark made by the hon. and learned Member contained an absurd deduction. I set out the general position in a reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Dr. Stross) on 3rd November, of which I will send a copy to the hon. and learned Member. The Government offer such technical advice as current knowledge permits. This advice is given without charge and without liability.