§ 42. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Health whether he has yet made the inquiry into the matter brought to his attention by the hon. Member for Mile End with regard to the repair of C (b) houses in Stepney; and if he now has any statement to make on the matter.
§ Mr. BevanThe investigation is not yet completed but I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. PiratinDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recall that he gave me a similar answer exactly three weeks ago? Could I therefore ask him to be as expeditious as possible, in view of the fact that the question which was brought to his attention three weeks ago is a matter which vitally affects the whole of London?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have said that the most effective supplementary questions are the short ones.
§ Mr. BevanThe answer to the hon. Member is that this matter of the repair of houses in London is one of great per-plexity and very considerable concern. I have been left, I am bound to say, with the most depressing legacy in this matter. The "cost plus" system of repairs has had a demoralising effect both upon the employees and employers, and 1 hope to be able to announce very shortly the end of the whole system.