§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Minister of Health what is the reduction, if any, in the cost of building materials; the chief materials so reduced; the amount of reduction as compared with six months ago; what the intention of the Government is in regard to the subsidy which was paid to private builders, and the total number of houses built under this scheme up to the present time; and will he issue order preventing the erection of wooden huts as dwelling-houses?
§ Dr. ADDISONThere has been no general fall in the cost of building materials during the last six months, though the prices of certain materials, such as lead, glass, linseed oil, have shown reductions. The total number of houses erected up to the present time under the 293W subsidy to private builders scheme is 9,673, and it is my intention to introduce at the earliest possible moment legislation to provide for the extension of the period during which the subsidy can be earned. I see no reason for preventing the erection of properly constructed wooden houses.