§ 67. Lieut.-Colonel Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the issue of building licences, he will state what priority is given to persons who were bombed out of their homes during the war and now wish to rebuild; how many licences have been granted to such bombed-out people up to date; and whether he intends to give such applications more sympathetic treatment henceforth.
§ Mr. BevanLocal authorities have been asked to give high priority to proposals for the rebuilding of houses destroyed through war damage which attract a "Cost of Works" payment under the War Damage Act. The number of licences issued in such cases up to the end of January is 2,987. I have no reason to think that local authorities are not treating such proposals sympathetically.
§ Mr. GammansMay I ask whether there is any financial limit beyond which people cannot rebuild their houses?
§ Mr. GammansI was not asking that.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Price-WhiteWould the Minister make it clear to local authorities that sympathetic consideration is given in the matter, because there appears considerable misapprehension in the minds of many applicants as to the manner in which applications have been refused?
§ Mr. BevanIt is all a matter of individual detail and if HON. MEMBERS will send particulars I will have them investigated.