§ 53. Major PRESCOTTasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a deputation from the council of the Society of Architects recently waited on the Office of Works, when the statement was made by the First Commissioner that the Office of Works was better qualified than any other Government Department to examine and advise on housing schemes submitted by local authorities; and whether he is prepared to take steps to ensure that all housing schemes will be submitted to the Local Government Board and come under the jurisdiction of the Director-General of Housing, so as to avoid unnecessary expense and the overlapping and duplication of future housing activities?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I am informed by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works that he received the deputation referred to, but that he has no recollection of making such a statement as that suggested in the first part of the question; as regards the second part, the Government have decided that responsibility for dealing with all housing schemes shall rest with the Local Government Board. A circular explaining the terms and conditions on which financial assistance would be granted to the Local Government Board has been issued to local authorities.