§ 33. Mr. CHARLETONasked the Minister of Health whether he has any further statement to make relative to the London County Council (Housing Site) Bill and the decision of the London County Council as regards the alternative offer made by the Hon. Arthur Villiers to enable the council to add to Hackney Marshes suitable adjoining land and so free an equivalent area of the marshes for use as a housing site?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir. I am informed that the London County Council at a meeting held on Tuesday last accepted the offer made by Mr. Villiers, and expressed their cordial appreciation of the public spirit which he has displayed. I should like to congratulate the council upon their successful efforts to assist the solution of the difficult problem of housing in East London without reducing the area of public open space in that district, and to express again my appreciation of the generous attitude adopted by Mr. Villiers. I wish also to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Hackney (Mr. H. Morrison) towards the settlement of this complex question.
§ Mr. H. MORRISONMay I be permitted, if the House will forgive me, to say that all parties to the dispute are 2180 much indebted to the Minister of Health for the successful result?
§ Mr. CROSSLEYCan the Minister assure the House that the legal protection granted to open spaces and playing fields has been strengthened, and not weakened by this settlement?
§ Sir K. WOODindicated assent.