HC Deb 11 April 1940 vol 359 cc706-7
63. Mr. E. J. Williams

asked the Minister of Health whether he will favourably consider applications from local authorities for the construction of dwelling-houses, particularly where population has increased due to Government establishments?

Mr. Elliot

I can assure the hon. Member that applications from local authorities for permission to build houses necessary to accommodate workers in the war factories have received and are continuing to receive my prompt and sympathetic consideration.

Viscountess Astor

Would my right hon. Friend give special consideration to places like Plymouth where the overcrowding is terrific owing to the large number of people employed in the dockyards?

Mr. Elliot

All these matters are reviewed and allocations of necessary materials are made as promptly as possible, but, of course, no single area can get priority over another.

Viscountess Astor

Considering how much Plymouth and Devonport do they ought to have priority.

67. Mr. Martin

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the serious deterioration in much of the poorer kind of residential property in certain parts of London, he will now relax the restrictions imposed on local authorities for building purposes during the war?

Mr. Elliot

I regret that, owing to the demand on materials for other purposes, I am not in a position to adopt the suggestion made by the hon. Member. As I have already stated, I am most anxious that the building schemes of local authorities should proceed as soon as circumstances permit.