§ 85. Sir H. NIELDasked the Minister of Health whether he has received from the Ealing Town Council resolutions with respect to the Regulations laid upon the Table of the House on the 22nd of October last under the Housing (Assisted Scheme)Regulations, 1919, expressing dissatisfaction with the terms of such Regulations for financial assistance of local authorities, expressing the opinion that local authorities acting bonâ fide are entitled to absolute protection against loss in excess of the stipulated produce of the 1d. rate, and urging the deletion of Schedule B from such Regulations, and that local authorities should have been given an opportunity of considering the Regulations dealing with matters of such vital importance before they were issued; and whether he will provide an opportunity for the House to discuss these Regulations before the expiry of the period when they will become operative?
§ Dr. ADDISONA draft of the Financial Regulations was published as a White Paper in April last before the Housing Bill was considered in Committee, and ample opportunity was then given to local authorities to consider the Regulations before they were finally made. Observations upon the draft Regulations were received from the Municipal Corporations Association, the Association of Borough Treasurers, the National Housing and Town Planning Council, and from a number of individual local authorities. All these representations were fully considered before the Regulations as now published were issued. It seems to me that the Regulations fully safguard the position of the local authorities, but I shall be glad to consider any suggestions. I should welcome a discussion if the time of the House permits.
§ Sir H. NIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman either suspend the operation of the Regulations or give us a discussion before they become law?
§ Dr. ADDISONI hope there will be an opportunity for discussion. My right hon. Friend will no doubt say something about it.