HC Deb 19 June 1956 vol 554 c1226
43. Mr. MacColl

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement about the technical advances he observed in Soviet building and, in particular, their methods of covering pipes to prevent freezing which might serve to assist in regard to technical problems in this country.

53. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, when on his recent visit to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to investigate methods of housing construction, he noticed new technical methods of housing construction that could be used with advantage in this country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sandys

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) on 13th June.

In my study of the problem of frozen pipes I am considering building practices in the Soviet Union as well as in other countries. However, in Russia the severe climate makes it necessary to take precautions which would be unnecessary and uneconomic in this country.

Mr. MacColl

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he was quoted in the Manchester Guardian as saying that these methods would be of great value in this country, and that this has aroused widespread interest among people concerned in this work? They are hoping that he will share his knowledge with them.