§ 31. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health approximately how many local authorities have now prepared provisional plans for rebuilding houses in their localities; how many houses these will provide; and whether he is satisfied that all possible preparations are being made, in view of the shortage that now exists, and that will be accentuated by the end of hostilities?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am not in a position to add to the general information I gave my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Leicester (Major Lyons) on 20th May. The particular question of rebuilding war damaged houses, whether by the local authority or by the private owner, will be given further consideration immediately labour and materials are available, as a matter of the highest priority.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the Minister at least give some indication of how far local authorities have been making the preparations urged upon them some time ago? Can we have an answer?
§ Mr. BrownIf my hon. Friend win look at the rather long answer that I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Leicester, perhaps he will decide, in the light of that, whether he wants to put another question.
§ Mr. SorensenIf my memory serves me right, that answer does not cover my Question. Could we have an answer to that Question, in view of the very grave situation?
§ Mr. BrownThe answer points out that the, preparations for the first year's programme by local authorities, in accordance with my circular of 4th March, are making progress.