§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether his Department has investigated, in connection with the erection of tenement structures to accommodate slum dwellers who may be dis- 980W possessed, the use of steel-frame buildings of the multiple storey type, a system of construction which is entirely distinct from the small steel houses which were unsuccessfully tried some time ago, and if he has any information showing whether such steel-frame buildings would be as economic as other types of construction; and whether the cost of construction, even in the case of steel-frame buildings of the multiple storey type, would be reduced if the present regulations in respect to wall thicknesses and floor loads were more in accordance with modern standards?
§ Miss LAWRENCEAs regards the first part of the question, I am afraid I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 5th instant. As regards the second part, I can only say that my right hon. Friend is informed that the London County Council, who have obtained powers to waive the requirement of the London Building Acts in this respect, have used those powers to facilitate the submission of tenders for steel framed buildings, but the amount of those tenders has been substantially in excess of that of tenders for other methods of construction.