§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Minister of Health why only sixteen housing schemes were permitted to be erected under the building guild system; what are the reports from the local authorities for whom the guild is building houses; whether general satisfaction is given both as to the time taken and the workmanship put into such schemes; and if he will consider withdrawing all restrictions which prevent local authorities from adopting the above, or direct labour, or any other scheme which appears to them locally to be the best?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have agreed to twenty housing contracts being carried out under the guild system, not sixteen. The contracts at present being carried out have not advanced very far, but, so far as I have information, local authorities are446W satisfied as to progress and workmanship. This system, however, is still in an experimental stage, and until I am satisfied that the guilds will build houses quickly and economically, I am not prepared to sanction contracts in excess of twenty. A revised form of contract will also be required.