§ Mr. G. BALFOURasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, with regard to the erection of houses for the working classes by the Office of Works at the stated cost of £1,000 each, this sum includes the cost of the land, sewers, drains, fences, establishment charges, and roads; and the accommodation afforded in each house and the thickness of the outer walls?
§ Sir A. MONDThe sum of £1,000 is an estimate of the average cost of the work undertaken by my Department in respect of the total number of houses to be erected, and includes establishment charges and cost of fences, but not the value of the land. It also covers the cost of roads and sewers except in cases where they are being constructed by local authorities. The accommodation varies, but is in accordance with the standard laid down by the Ministry of Health, and the thickness of the outer walls also conforms with the usual practice.