§ 31. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs in how many houses built on behalf of local authorities in England and Wales during each of the last six years the maximum height of the rooms was limited to 7 ft. 6 in.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe ceiling height of 7 ft. 6 in. specified by the vast majority of local authorities in their byelaws is a a minimum, not a maximum, height. Information about the number of houses built with rooms of a given height is not available.
§ Mr. WainwrightIs the hon. Gentleman aware that too many people who live in comfortable homes are too willing to bring about a reduction in the standards of the homes of other people. Is he aware that his right hon. Friend's predecessor made a statement twelve 1305 months ago that many new houses are small, ill-equipped, unsightly to look at and just plain ugly? Will not the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend do something to improve the standard of houses?
§ Mr. CorfieldI do not consider that the question of 6 in. in height is strictly relevant. Careful comparative tests were carried out in 1950 comparing 7 ft. 6 in. ceilings with 8ft. ceilings and no adverse effect was found in respect of either ventilation, daylighting, health, comfort or convenience.