42. Miss WARDasked the Minister of Health whether he will draw the attention of local authorities to the opportunities for the relief of the burden on the rates which are afforded by the North Eastern Housing Association?
§ Sir K. WOODI have already on a number of occasions drawn attention to this matter, but if my hon. Friend has any particular district in mind, I will have inquiries made.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCould not the burden of rates be eased in this particular area if the facilities offered to the North Eastern Housing Association were offered to the local councils?
§ Sir K. WOODI think it would be better if hon. Members would support that association, which would do very much to relieve the housing difficulties in that area.
§ Miss WILKINSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Government, who are so much concerned about economy, should use the experience of the local authorities who have it at their disposal, instead of setting up an entirely different and expensive association to do the same job?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, I do not think so, and I wish hon. Members would realise that this is a very fine opportunity in this area of getting houses at an unexampled rate, and under exceptional financial conditions.