§ 55. Mr. PENNYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Kingston-upon-Thames housing committee submitted certain proposals for the erection of houses, with the respective estimates, for his approval on the 27th May; that after a delay of 18 days request was made by telephone for an immediate answer, and, after a further three days' delay, they were informed that none of the tenders were such that the council would be well advised to accept, and the Ministry would not feel justified in sanctioning a loan to the amount of such tenders; and whether he will in future take steps to avoid such delay over a matter which could easily be decided in a few days?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe application in this case presented difficulties which required special consideration. I am satisfied that every effort is made to deal with correspondence as expeditiously as possible.
§ Mr. PENNYWill the Minister tell me what were the special reasons for the delay, and do not such delays give rise to a feeling in the country that the Socialist party are not keen on getting these houses built?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am sure the hon. Member does not want to reflect on the efficiency of my Department. I can assure him that I have inquired info this case, and the delay, and the cause of it, were quite exceptional, and I have every reason to believe it will not be repeated
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEIs this one of the examples which enable the right hon. Gentleman to be so satisfied that 2,500,000 houses, at least, will be built in 15 years?