§ Major PRESCOTTasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an officially authorised statement was made at a meeting of the Blackburn Town Council on the 7th of April to the effect that, with a view to economise on brickwork in the construction of municipal houses, the height of the rooms was reduced from the regulation standard of nine feet to eight feet, effecting a saving of £9 10s. per house; that, in order to compensate for this reduction in height, dormer windows became essential, costing £11 10s. each, the net result being a loss of £2 per house; whether his advisers have given personal attention to this and other methods of economy which are producing a sequel opposite to what was intended; and if he will give an assurance to the House that false economy alterations will be discouraged in the future?
§ Sir A. MONDI am informed that 20 of the houses erected by this local authority have been provided with dormer windows at the suggestion of the Council's architect, and that, contrary to my hon. and gallant Friend's information, a net saving of approximately £6 per house was effected by this means. I would point 1323W out that in any case the use of dormer windows does not depend on the height of the rooms.