§ 3. Mr. MITCHESONasked the Minister of Labour if he will arrange to include more local authorities, and in particular those of the Metropolis, in the periodical returns giving particulars of the value of building plans approved, which are published on his behalf in the Ministry of Labour Gazette, having regard to the fact that the present statistics only relate to areas containing about 40 per cent. of the total population?
Mr. HUDSONThe object for which these statistics are compiled is not to furnish complete information as to the total value of all buildings for which plans are approved, but to provide a general indication of the extent and direction of changes in building activity at different dates, and for this purpose it is sufficient that returns should be ob- 1870 tained from a representative selection of local authorities. My right hon. Friend will consider how far it may be desirable and practicable to obtain returns from some of the more important localities which are not at present represented in the figures; but as prior submission of plans to the local authority is, I am informed, not required in the county of London if the provisions of the London Building Acts are complied with, it is impracticable to extend the statistics to cover that county.