§ Mr. Edward Davies91, 92 and 93. asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how many additional houses it is proposed to build in the city of Stoke-on-Trent to meet the needs of the National Coal Board; if be is aware that delays will be inevitable unless immediate steel supplies are forthcoming for foundation work; and what arrangements have been made to provide the necessary amount of re-enforcing steel to offset mining subsidence;
(2) if he will speed up decisions from his Department as to the nature of the re-enforcement necessary for houses built 74W and subject to mining subsidence in the City of Stoke-on-Trent;
(3) whether he is aware of the difficulties the City of Stoke-on-Trent is experiencing in carrying out its housing programme as a result of coal mining subsidence and the lack of adequate steel supplies required for re-enforcement; and what action he is taking to deal with the problems.
§ Mr. MarplesThe question of augmenting the normal local house-building programme to take account of the needs of the National Coal Board is being discussed with the council this week. Agreement has been reached on the nature of steel reinforcement to be provided for two types of foundations and that for a third type is being examined. Sufficient steel has been made available to ensure continuity of building during the next period.