HC Deb 12 February 1920 vol 125 cc203-4
60. Mr. LUNN

asked the Minister of Health whether the Housing (Regulation of Building) Order, 1920, dated 22nd January, 1920, was circulated to all local authorities; if so, on what date; whether it was put on sale at His Majesty's Stationery Office; if so, at what date; whether it was sent to the press, and, if so, at what date; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among local authorities at the delay in issuing this Order and making it known, which resulted in their being unable to carry out the luxury building clause of The Housing (Aditional Powers) Act, 1919, for several weeks after that measure became Law.

Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)

The Housing (Additional Powers) Act became Law on the 23rd December and the Order to which the hon. Member refers was circulated to the local authorities and to the press on the 30th January. It was placed on sale at His Majesty's Stationery Office on the 2nd February. In view of the fact that difficult legal and technical questions were involved which required careful examination and consultations with those concerned, and that Christmas intervened, so far from there being delay I think the matter was dealt with very expeditiously.