§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works if, taking the steel prefabricated house, he will analyse the cost under such headings as labour, materials, land, etc.
§ Mr. HicksAs indicated by my Noble Friend in another place, he is at present aiming at a figure of £550 per house delivered and erected, including all necessary services and including about £100 of landlord's fixtures. It is not possible at this stage to be more precise. I may add that the methods of costing in my hon. Friend's question are, of course, in line with the principles employed by my Noble Friend.
§ Mr. Jacksonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works if he will consider initiating a competition open 952W to all sections of the building industry and local authorities for the most suitable type of temporary dwelling-house.
§ Mr. HicksSince the erection of the first prototype of the emergency factory-made house many modifications and improvements have already been made by the Ministry of Works in consultation with the Ministry of Health. This house is regarded as an urgent matter and in view of the considerable time required to prepare for large-scale manufacture, it is not practicable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion which would involve serious delay.