§ Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Health when direct labour was first utilised for housing schemes in Derby, the amount of tenders that were being accepted from local builders in March, 1922, and December, 1922, respectively; whether, in January last, competitive tenders were received from local builders and the direct labour department for four blocks of houses; and whether he can state the respective amounts of such tenders?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYDirect labour was first utilised by the Derby Corporation for the erection of houses in May, 1923. Tenders were accepted from local builders in March, 1922, and December. 1922, at average prices per house of £417 and £356 respectively. Competitive tenders of £7,180, £7,196, and £7,252, £7,600 and £8,424 were received from local builders for the erection of four blocks of four houses in January last. The estimate of the Special Works Committee of the Corporation for the carrying out of the work by direct labour was £6,928.