HC Deb 25 April 1966 vol 727 cc329-30
3. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what research he is conducting into remedies for dampness in recently completed houses.

Mr. Boyden

The Ministry is investigating cases of dampness which have occurred in certain of its new buildings. Sytematic research is done by the Build- ing Research Station of the Ministry of Technology, with which the Ministry collaborates, and the results are published regularly.

Mr. Dalyell

In the light of recent experience in Scotland and the West Midlands, is this sufficient?

Mr. Boyden

With regard to dampness, technical knowledge is usually sufficient to cover all considerations. The main difficulties are lack of information among the builders and workmen and often the misuse of the building by the people who occupy it.

Mr. Frank Allaun

How soon can a report be published, because this is a very serious business and many people think that there is a fault in design which should be corrected before more houses are built?

Mr. Boyden

I cannot answer for a specific case, because I have not had a specific case put to me. Reports on this matter are published all the time, some on specific cases for which the Ministry of Public Building and Works is responsible.