§ A. local authority, in carrying out any proposals approved by the Minister for the purposes of this Act, shall have power to determine the number of houses which they will build in any particular period subject to the imposition of a maximum limit by the Minister, and should the local authority find it necessary to suspend building operations on the ground of excessive cost, or on any other reasonable ground, the suspension shall not be treated as a failure on the part of the local authority to fulfil their obligations as to the preparation of schemes under the Housing Acts or their obligations under any such schemes.—[Mr. Wheatley.]
§ Brought up, and read the First time.
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."
This Clause deals with the possible suspension of the building operations by the local authorities. The Committee will remember the point, of issue that has arisen between us as to whether I had done anything to deprive the Ministry of the powers proposed by the Bill. I promised to move a Clause that would give the local authorities all the protection that was promised or expected and this is the Clause.
§ Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.
§ First Schedule agreed to.