§ Mr. Gunterasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the allegations made against his Department at a recent meeting of the Rochford Rural District Council, at which it was stated that a contractor had been held up for a month because his Department had quibbled over whether four or six inches of concrete should be allowed as a house foundation; and if he will make a statement to clarify this matter.
§ Mr. BevanTenders for the erection of 24 houses were received in my Department on 2nd September They were too high to be approved and the council were so informed on 5th September and advised to seek a reduction. A lower price was submitted by the council on 30th September, but was still unnecessarily high owing to the proposed use of five and six inches of concrete in foundations where four inches would be adequate. A further substantial reduction of price was thereupon obtained and approval of the final figure, which was received in my Department on nth October, was given on 12th October.