HC Deb 15 March 1945 vol 409 cc376-7
35. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Health whether, as many of the authorities from whom building permits have to be obtained embrace several Departments, each of whom may take a month or longer in which to give approvals, he can give a list of all Departments from which approvals must be obtained before the different types of buildings may be erected and occupied.

Mr. Willink

I have given my hon. Friend a complete list of the responsible authorities. I cannot undertake to subdivide the authorities into departments of administration which may differ in the various authorities.

Mr. Bossom

Would my right hon. and learned Friend try to speed up the matter? Although he has given the list of the authorities some of them have to get approval from four or more different departments, and that takes four or five months. This is a very serious matter.

Mr. Willink

That is another question, but I hope my hon. Friend, on reflection, will agree that to ask me to decide what department in every local authority should deal with the matter is an impossible request.

Mr. McKinlay

Will the Minister publish the list in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Willink

It has already been published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Bossom

Will my right hon. and learned Friend speed up the matter a little more, because it is very slow? I am only trying to call attention to a serious condition.

Mr. Willink

I am surprised that my hon. Friend should find that there is great delay at the moment.