§ 58. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to introduce a Housing Bill or make any statement on the Government's housing proposals before the Whitsuntide Recess?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYWhile giving no pledge on the matter, I may say that I hope to be able to introduce the Bill before the Whitsuntide Recess.
§ Sir K. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman, if he is unable to introduce a Bill before the Whitsuntide Recess, make a statement concerning the whole of the Government programme in this connection?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThat is a purely hypothetical question.
§ Captain BERKELEYDoes the main reply of the Minister mean that the Bill will be debated before the Whitsuntide Recess?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am hopeful that the Leader of the House will be able to arrange for a discussion.
§ Mr. P. HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the delay in announcing the Government policy is actually stopping building almost all over the country? Local authorities do not want to embark upon the old scheme before they know what the new scheme is?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI can appreciate the fear of that, but if building is stopped tradesmen will be unemployed, and I have no information that they are unemployed.