Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in a number of cases serious defects in subsidy houses occur after the purchaser has taken possession; and whether he proposes to take any steps to secure redress in such cases in the future?
§ Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINThe hon. Member has drawn my attention to the case of certain houses in his constituency. The rules made by my Department require that before making payment of subsidy in respect of any houses, the local authority shall obtain from their surveyor or other authorised officer a certificate that the houses have been constructed in a proper and workmanlike manner and in compliance with the requirements as to size, materials, type of construction, etc., prescribed by the Housing Acts and by the Minister of Health. I understand that in the particular case the houses complied with these requirements and also that inspections of the houses were made regularly throughout the whole progress of building at various stages of construction. The defects complained of are matters to be settled between the purchasers and the vendor. I am satisfied that every care has been taken by the local authority before paying subsidy.