70. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is giving his consent in all cases where local authorities apply for permission to erect workmen's houses on the understanding that they shall receive the same State assistance as those erected after the passing of the new Housing Act; and, if he has refused his consent in any cases, will he state on what grounds it has been withheld?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)I am not aware of any case in which consent has been refused where the houses are of the type described in my reply to the hon. Member yesterday, and where the number proposed is within the capacity of the local building industry to complete with proper despatch.
Mr. THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that a definite decision is given as soon as possible by his Department, in order to minimise the confusion 2551 that has arisen from the delay that has already taken place?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not sure that it would be possible to give a decision quicker than decisions are usually given by my Department.
§ Mr. EDEAre we to understand that the inclusion of a parlour is required as a ground for refusing permission to build municipal houses?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe particular terms of the subsidy apply only to houses that have not a parlour.
§ Mr. A. HOPKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delay in coming to a decision about the subsidy is causing very serious inconvenience to the rings in the building trade, and that if the decision come too late, some of the rings will break?