§ Mr. Ellis Smith84, 85 and 86. asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if he will arrange for exhibitions of old-type houses and modern conversions, like those off Oxford Street, London, in a number of large industrial areas or cities;
(2) If he will arrange as soon as possible for an exhibition of several old-type houses to be converted and furnished in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, so that people can see the application of modern ideas in converted houses;
154W(3) If he Will take steps to arrange for contemporary furniture, carpets, curtains, stoves, etc., to be available in all large centres at cost prices of the same kind that have been used in the converted houses off Oxford Street, London.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI hope it will be possible for examples of conversions and improvements to be shown in different parts of the country. There are difficulties about staging special exhibits like that at Oxford Street. What I have in mind are actual schemes which can be shown to the public for a time before being occupied.
I hope that local authorities will take the lead in promoting pilot schemes of this sort and my regional officers are in touch with a number who are considering the matter. If it is desired to furnish the houses for inspection no doubt the local authorities can make suitable arrangements with local firms.