THE HOUSING QUESTION 
49 
It will be noticed that Dr. Macnamara’s statement 
is just the opposite of his figures, whereby his whole 
argument is invalidated. 
Another interesting specimen of lack of clear think 
ing is to be found in the following replies in the House 
of Commons, relative to Building Guilds. It should be 
prefaced by the explanation that for a considerable 
period there had been complaints by advocates of 
Building Guilds, firstly that the Minister was not 
allowing them a sufficient number of schemes to work 
at, and secondly that he was keeping the House of 
Commons in ignorance of the fact that houses erected 
by the Guilds worked out cheaper than those erected 
by contractors. 
iZth February, 1921. 
Mr. Charles Edwards asked the Minister of Health if he will 
state why only 16 housing schemes were permitted to be 
erected under the building guild system ; what are the reports 
from the local authorities for whom the guild is building houses ; 
whether general satisfaction is given both as to the time taken 
and the workmanship put into such schemes ; and if he will 
consider withdrawing all restrictions which prevent local 
authorities from adopting the above, or direct labour, or any 
other scheme which appears to them locally to be best ? 
Dr. Addison : " I have agreed to twenty housing contracts 
being carried out under the Guild System, not sixteen. The 
contracts at present being carried out have not advanced very 
far, but so far as I have information Local Authorities are satisfied 
as to the progress and workmanship. The system, however, is 
still in an experimental stage, and until I am satisfied that the 
Guilds will build houses quickly and economically I am not 
prepared to sanction contracts in excess of twenty. A revised 
form of contract will also be required."