asked the Minister of Health if he will consider stopping the erection of temporary houses at £1,610, and concentrate on building permanent houses at about £1,300.

No orders for temporary houses have been placed since October, 1945. The scheme for the provision of temporary aluminium bungalows will cease when the present contracts end next April.

Is the Minister aware that the Orpington Urban District Council are building permanent houses at about £1,300 apiece, and have been congratulated upon their achievement in spite of the difficulties? Will the right hon. Gentleman send representatives from the Ministry and from other local authorities to Orpington to get a course of instruction?

I am delighted to hear that the Orpington authorities are making such progress. I have no doubt that other authorities will note some of the attractions of Orpington, including the hon. Member.