§ Sir D. MACLEANasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, in connection with the housing schemes being undertaken by the Lasswade and Gala Water District Committees of Midlothian, the Scottish Board of Health have determined that walls of only 11-inch hollow brick or 9-inch solid brick will be permitted, and have declined to reconsider this decision, notwithstanding that the local authorities concerned are unanimously of opinion that 15½-inch hollow-brick walls are the minimum con- 430W struction advisable, in view of the Scottish climate and the exposed sites on which the majority of the houses are to be erected; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the unanimous opinion of the local authorities, who are best qualified to judge of the requirements of the district, will be given effect to?
§ Mr. MUNROI am aware that the Scottish Board of Health have refused to allow the local authorities of Lasswade and Gala Water districts to erect houses with brick walls of a thickness of 15½ inches. In Scotland the practice is to construct the walls in 11-inch hollow brick or 9-inch solid brick strapped and lathed. The question of the thickness of walls necessary in the districts referred to received the careful consideration of the Board, who are quite satisfied that the climatic conditions in those districts are not such as to warrant any departure from the usual practice. Further, the proposals of the local authority involve considerable unnecessary expense.