HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 cc1220-1
67. Mr. Bossom

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning what steps his Ministry is taking to overcome the dual control now connected with all new buildings, that of planning and location, under his Ministry, while the actual construction, materials and processes are under the control of either local statutes or the Ministry of Health?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning (Mr. Henry Strauss)

The existing division of authority which depends on statutory enactments cannot be altered without legislation. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 30th September, 1942.

Mr. Bossom

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are sometimes as many as half-a-dozen different authorities which control the construction of building? Cannot he adopt the process of simplification adopted in the United States in this matter?

Mr. Strauss

I will certainly look into whatever my hon. Friend brings to my attention in that matter. He will appreciate that my Noble Friend has no power to repeal Statutes and to take over the powers possessed by other Ministers.

Mr. Bossom

Will the Minister, endeavour to get such powers so that they can be removed?

Mr. Strauss

That is another question.

68. Mr. Bossom

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning what steps his Ministry is taking, when formulating legislation in connection with construction and planning, to permit the introduction and use of new materials and more modern methods of construction?

Mr. Strauss

As my hon. Friend is aware, technical studies in relation to the use of new materials and methods of construction are in progress in my Noble Friend's Department in consultation with the Ministry of Health and the Scottish Office. Pending the completion of these studies I cannot say to what extent changes in present methods of control of building may be necessary.

Mr. Bossom

Will my hon. Friend endeavour to see whether pre-fabricated methods such as enable ships in America to be built so quickly can be applied in such a way that beauty can be retained when doing so?

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