§ 36. Major Lyonsasked the Minister of Health when he will be in a position to assure the House that all local authorities, without exception, who are responsible for the rebuilding of enemy-damaged areas have their plans and lay-outs and financial arrangements ready to allow work of clearance and preparation of foundations to be started at short notice?
Mr. BrownI am not at present in a position to add to the information furnished to my hon. and gallant Friend by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works on 5th May. I may say, however, so far as rehousing is concerned, that the preparations for the first year's programme by local authorities, in accordance with my circular of 4th March last, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy, are making progress. It is realised that difficulties arise in some districts where the use of war-damaged areas for housing purposes is necessary and these cases will be discussed with my right' hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning.
§ Major LyonsIn view of the urgency of the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me further information if I put a Question down in a short time?
§ Mr. BossomCan my right hon. Friend explain how he is able to prevent these new lay-outs, which he has called for, for the first year's post-war housing problem being situated within green belts which later may be required to girdle these built-up areas?
Mr. BrownThese are the very issues we are discussing with the Ministry of Planning. There are sites in many areas which would conform with any plan, however drawn.