2. Miss WARDasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to inform the House what action the special commissioner intends to take with regard to the building of houses?
Mr. STANLEYI am informed by the commissioner for the Special Areas (England and Wales) that he is proposing to render assistance in the establishment of a public utility society with the object of undertaking, in co-operation with local authorities, the building of houses in Durham and Tyneside.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISDoes that mean that this society will get special assistance over and above the societies which will be set up under the Bill now going through Parliament?
Mr. STANLEYThe details are not yet settled. The idea is to give assistance in cases where building cannot be carried on without something of this kind.
Miss WARDWhen the society is established, will it be a permanent thing, bearing in mind that the Bill to deal with overcrowding will soon be on the Statute Book?
§ Mr. HICKSIn the event of the public utility society being set up and house building forming part of their activities, will the right hon. Gentleman report to the House the conditions under which the houses will be constructed—whether they will be erected in accordance with the generally recognised conditions, or whether it will be regarded as relief work?