HC Deb 28 September 1939 vol 351 cc1480-1
34. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain small builders who are erecting houses for sale to working men in parts of Yorkshire are unable to obtain materials to complete them; and will he take steps to get priority in such cases so that the houses in course of construction can be completed?

Mr. Elliot

In the present situation it will not be possible to complete all houses now under construction, and accordingly I have regretfully been compelled to ask local authorities to complete only those houses in an advanced stage of construction. I should be willing, if the hon. Member would give me particulars of any case he has in mind, to have the matter looked into from this point of view.

Mr. Williams

Where houses are being erected for working men who obviously cannot afford to lose the money they have advanced or which has been advanced by building societies, will he make it possible for such houses to be completed?

Mr. Elliot

There are two points, the physical possibility of completion, which is a matter of material and labour and, secondly, the financial loss arising out of the arrest of such building. The second point, obviously, falls under the discretion of the courts under the Emergency Powers scheme.