HC Deb 29 May 1956 vol 553 cc4-5
5. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Works the price at which disused prefabricated houses are being sold by his Department for shipment abroad.

6. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Works how many prefabricated houses, built since 1945, have been dismantled; how many have been sold; and, of this number, how many have been exported.

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

Up to 30th April, 1956, contracts had been let for the dismantling and sale of 2,927 temporary prefabricated houses. Normally the refrigerators in these houses are disposed of separately. I understand that the purchasers have exported a considerable number of the houses but I have no precise information on this point. Six houses have been sold direct to overseas buyers at an average price of £150, including refrigerators. In addition 2,238 houses have been sold to local authorities as they stand.

Mr. Hunter

Is the Minister aware that reports have appeared in the Press that middlemen have sold these prefabricated houses to Italy, Switzerland and Holland at prices up to £1,500? Will he fully investigate the whole matter?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

I will certainly look into that. As I have said in my Answer, I have no precise information about that point, but obviously any prefabricated houses sold abroad will cost more, with freight charges, etc., than if they are sold at home.

Mr. Collins

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these prefabricated houses have been dismantled and are awaiting sale, how they are advertised for sale and in what lots they are offered?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

I cannot say without notice how many there are at present, but the practice is that they are advertised and put up for competitive tender. I will let the hon. Member know the figure.

Mr. Dudley Williams

In view of the fact that these houses were designed to last only ten years, does my right hon. Friend not think that the firm responsible for selling them abroad is showing first-class selling ability?

Mr. Gibson

On what grounds of policy is the pulling down and sale of these temporary houses justified, in view of the enormous demand which exists for housing people who have no home to live in? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole matter?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

The matter is governed by the Housing (Temporary Accommodation) Act, 1944, which provided that after 1954 local authorities would be entitled to have the houses removed unless the Minister of Housing and Local Government and the Secretary of State for Scotland considered that housing conditions necessitated their retention. In view of that Act, this question should be directed to the Minister of Housing and Local Government. My Department really acts as the agent for sales.