HC Deb 20 October 1932 vol 269 cc309-10
34. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that his insistence on the ruling that houses erected by rural district councils in various parts of their district must be tendered for as a whole, leads in many cases to the cutting out of the small local builder and to unemployment in the village; and whether he will leave this matter to be decided by the council itself where they can show that no increased cost will ensue?

Sir H. YOUNG

I have not made any such requirment as is suggested in the first part of the question, and the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. My hon. and gallant Friend may have in mind correspondence, in which a misunderstanding arose, with the Kingsclere and Whitchurch Rural District Council. The position has now been explained to the council.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received some complaints from rural district councils in Berkshire and Hampshire? Has he not had notice of them, since they were published in the local papers?

Sir H. YOUNG

Yes, Sir, and the matter is made clear in the answer. There was a misunderstanding as to the requirements of the Ministry. It was not required that the tender should be made in one block. The misunderstanding has now been cleared up.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Thank you.

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