§ 36. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Health the average number of forms it is necessary to fill in before the building of a house may be commenced.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)In the case of private builders the forms to be completed before obtaining permission to build number either three or five according to whether approval is necessary under the Restriction of Ribbon Development Act. Local authorities must obtain the approval of my Department and the Ministry of Town and Country Planning to the site and of my Department to the layout, house plans and tenders. No forms are in use for these purposes. In addition, both private builders and local authorities require certificates to assist them to obtain labour and certain materials. The number of these naturally varies according to the materials required.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill the Minister tell the House the number of forms that were required in 1937 when many more houses were built?
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that the inability of three or four Ministries to agree is holding up the building of houses in the Orpington area?
§ Mr. BevanIf the hon. Gentleman will reduce his abstract observations to concrete particulars, I will have them examined.
§ Sir W. Smithersrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerColonel Wheatley.
§ Later—
§ Sir W. SmithersOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I desire to ask your help and assistance. I asked a supplementary to Question 36 and I failed to catch your eye for a further supplementary. That has put me in an awkward position because an impression may go out which I cannot correct owing to the end of the Session. The Minister of Health gave a glib answer about abstract suggestions. I wish to put this right at once. The basis of my Question was the results of a deputation of 20 people waiting upon his Parliamentary Secretary——
§ Mr. SpeakerI cannot see how that comes in as a point of Order. The hon. Member is trying to explain why he put a supplementary. That is not a point of Order.
§ Sir W. SmithersWith great respect, Sir, I cannot put this right until 8th October.