50. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether the recent change in the post of Minister of Health indicates any variation in the Government's policy with regard to health and housing administration; and can local authorities which have undertaken the erection of dwelling-houses under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, rely upon the Government fulfilling in the spirit as well as in the letter the promises made to them by the late Minister of Health with regard to their financial commitments?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINUndertakings given by the Government are not affected by changes of individual Ministers, and the Government have no intention of departing from any pledges given to local authorities with respect to financial commitments entered into by them with the approval of the Ministry of Health.
Mr. THOMSONIf local authorities are anxious to extend their health services, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are not restricted and curtailed by the Government's economical policy?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo pledge will be dishonoured because there has been a change of Ministers. That does not mean that the policy of the Government as explained in the circular issued in the autumn will be altered. In view of the present financial situation the economical restrictions imposed by the Government must continue.