§ 102. Mr. R. Mackayasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that housing progress is likely to be retarded by the prevailing shortage of softwood; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. BevanThe shortage of softwood is a serious danger to housing progress. As we have to rely almost exclusively upon imports from other countries, the supplies of timber are largely beyond our immediate control. The present rate of import is quite insufficient for our own needs, and I am advised that there is little prospect of any large increase in the near future. In the circumstances I have had to choose between the alternatives of reducing the number of houses to be built or reducing the maximum amount of two standards of timber per house which has so far been allowable. I am advised that with careful economy and the fullest use of possible alternative materials it should be practicable to reduce this figure substantially without prejudice to efficiency.
I have now decided to reduce the maximum allowance to 1.6 standards for the normal three-bedroomed house in England and Wales. The principal modification which will be necessary to achieve this reduction is the adoption of solid ground floors in lieu of timber joists and boarded floors in all new houses, and I am asking local authorities to introduce this economy quickly. This type of floor has already been recommended because of its superior thermal insulation. A circular on the subject is being issued today.
The reduced softwood allowance and the necessity to substitute solid ground floors for timber floors will apply to houses erected by private builders under licence no less than to local authorities. The Government are naturally taking all possible steps to secure increased imports.