§ 52. Mr. P. OLIVERasked the Minister of Health if he will state his reasons for refusing to circularise the chairmen of housing committees of all local authorities in Great Britain in order to ascertain their views on the proposed limitation in the size of houses in respect of which contributions may be paid under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill?
Mr. GREENWOODMy right hon. Friend's reason is that the question has already been adequately discussed with authorised representatives of the local authorities.
54. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that the size of houses specified in the Government's Housing Bill is smaller than he himself desired because of the supposed wishes of local authorities, he will now take steps to increase the size, in view of the fact that at the annual meeting of the Municipal Corporations Association, held on the 9th instant, a resolution was passed in favour of local authorities being allowed greater latitude as to the maximum size of houses required in their areas?
Mr. GREENWOODThe proposals on this matter in the Housing Bill are based on the recommendation made by the representatives of the Local Authorities Associations authorised to negotiate with me. My right hon. Friend cannot at this stage contemplate varying these proposals.
Mr. THOMSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the annual meeting of the Municipal Corporations Association has not confirmed these negotiations and, in view of that fact, will he take steps either at the end of the trace-year period or earlier, to have this question reviewed.
Mr. GREENWOODI understand the Municipal Corporations Association, at 357 the annual conference, took the action stated by the hon. Member, but there are certain other representative associations of local authorities which have taken no such action, and a general question of policy like this is a matter to be raised in Debate.