Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether his experimental importation of Canadian timber houses is intended to lead to a scheme under which the forest products of the United Kingdom will be used to a greater extent for house construction; and whether he will take note of the present high expenditure on imported timber before encouraging its greater use in the building programme.
§ Mr. RipponThe erection of three pairs of Canadian houses is primarily intended to demonstrate Canadian techniques, standards and amenities. If this leads to these techniques being more widely used in this country normal commercial considerations will govern the selection of materials. The Government have the cost of imports constantly in mind.