§ 38. Mr. ROSEasked the Minister of Health, in view of the prevalence of luxury building and the indifference and apathy of local authorities, if he is prepared to issue an imperative instruction or to introduce immediate legislation to prohibit all building but housing until the requirements of the people are adequately provided?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have issued a memorandum for the guidance of local authorities in the exercise of their powers, under Section 5 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, of prohibiting buildings of less public importance than housing, and many authorities have already taken action. The operation of this Section is being carefully watched and I shall certainly not hesitate to seek further powers if they seem to be required.
§ Mr. ROSEIn view of the very urgent necessity in this case, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House some assurance that all unnecessary building is to be either drastically restricted, or prohibited altogether, until the housing requirements of the people are met? The whole thing is entirely unsatisfactory.
Mr. PALMERIs it not a fact that in London there are large buildings needed for commercial purposes which might, under a drastic rule, be arrested while the building of the housing accommodation is still awaiting realisation?
§ Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that the prohibition of luxury building in London has resulted in the blocking of very important street improvements and street widenings?
§ Dr. ADDISONWith regard to the last question, I am not aware of anything of the kind. I do not believe that the restrictions in London have had any such effect. I can well believe that certain cases of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend (Mr. Palmer) might arise. That shows the importance of judging each case on its merits. With regard to the general question, I have not the powers which my hon. Friend (Mr. Rose) refers to. I sometimes wish I had. I exercise to the full the powers which Parliament has given me; but this matter is vested in the local authorities, and in every case where 1210 a case is brought to my I urge the local authorities to exercise their powers sufficiently, of course, with wisdom and judgment.
Colonel LOWTHERIs it not a fact that certain buildings in London were commenced five years ago, but owing to the prohibition order they have not yet been finished—the London County Council?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat may be so, but they may now be of less importance than housing.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs it not a fact that the prohibition of many of these buildings has thrown a considerable number of men out of employment?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am not aware of anybody being thrown out of employment. I am perfectly certain that we can absorb them all quite easily on the housing schemes in the Metropolitan area which are now in progress.