§ Captain MARTINasked the President of the Local Government Board whether information can now be given for the guidance of local authorities and others engaged in the preparation of housing schemes as to the probability of cheap electricity and gas being available in the near future so as to enable the latest appliances for cooking, heating, lighting, and hot water to be provided in the proposed new houses and thereby effect a reduction in the cost of construction of such houses by the omission of fireplaces and chimney-stacks, as well as securing the advantages in the home of the latest practical methods of cooking, heating, and lighting?
§ Major ASTORAs the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the provision of central hot water supply and other labour saving devices and appliances was considered by the Committee presided over by my hon. Friend the Member for Brightside and the Women's Housing Sub-Committee appointed by the Ministry of Reconstruction. The recommendations of these Committees are being borne in mind. I am arranging for useful suggestions to be investigated and any practical proposals submitted by local authorities in connection with their housing schemes will be encouraged. I cannot, however, state what the cost of gas and electricity is likely to be in the near future.