§ 33. Mr. S. Shephardasked the Minister of Health if he has yet circularised local authorities giving them authority to purchase houses erected by private enterprise.
§ Mr. BevanI have under consideration arrangements for facilitating the erection of houses for local authorities by private builders and I hope to be able to issue a circular to local authorities shortly. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the circular as soon as possible. Local authorities have power by section 72 of the Housing Act, 1936, to provide housing accommodation by acquiring houses suitable for the purpose.