§ 42. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the shortage of houses will still be acute at the end of this year, he proposes to continue in force the relaxed bye-laws of the Ministry of Health with regard to wooden houses beyond that date; and whether, in the meantime, local authorities are authorised in over-riding the bye-laws of the Ministry of Health?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINSection 25 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, which enabled local authorities during a limited period to consent to the erection and use of buildings notwithstanding the provisions of building bye-laws, is at present in force till 31st December, 1923. Provision has been made in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, now before the House, to extend the operation of the Section for another year. As the hon. and gallant Member will see, a person aggrieved by the neglect or refusal of a local authority to give a consent under the Section has a right of appeal to the Minister of Health.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMany of the people affected have not the facilities for appealing. They do not know of it. Could not the right hon. Gentleman issue a circular to the local authorities reminding them of their duty?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, I do not think there is any occasion to issue a circular to the local authorities reminding them of their duty. I have no doubt 1341 the hon. and gallant Member will acquaint them with the fact that they have the right of appeal.