asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works how many prefabricated houses are to be erected for inspection in the Metropolitan police area; whether one will be erected in the outer North-Eastern area to enable those in Leyton, Walthamstow, Wanstead, Chingford and Ilford to inspect it; and what would be the extra cost of installing an internal basement to be used for air-raid protection and other purposes.

I regret that it would not be possible to make prototype houses available for inspection in the various parts of London. The provision of a basement is not considered either desirable or practicable.

Does that mean that the hon. Gentleman does not anticipate war within 15 or 20 years, when these houses will be obsolete?

It is not intended to go into production until after the war is over, and I understand that we and our Russian friends are living on very good terms.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is no clause in his Ministry's model by-laws which requires the effectual removal of growing vegetable matter from a site before the erection of a building is commenced; and if he will remedy this before post-war building is commenced.

Yes, Sir. There has been no general demand by local authorities for such a provision, but where asked for, a suitable clause has readily been agreed.

Is the hon. Lady aware that you cannot do it in London; and why should people around London be able to do it, and people in London not be allowed to do it?

At any rate, this matter is decided by the local authority. Model by-laws have no legal force, and if any local authority wants a by-law on this subject, permission is given by the Ministry of Health.

Will the hon. Lady make a recommendation to the local authorities that it is essential and see that it is done, as it is required to be done in London?