§ 14. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health if owing to difficulties experienced by private builders in the Orpington division, he will give the same facilities for obtaining the necessary materials, such as slate and lead damp courses, lead, guttering and rain-water down pipes, both in cast iron and in asbestos, to these builders, especially those engaged on local authority contracts, as to the local authorities.
§ Mr. BevanA private builder who is in possession of a building licence already has the same facilities for obtaining materials as a local authority. In neither case is priority given to work of maintenance and repair which does not result in an increase of accommodation.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that there are over 2,000 families— not persons— wanting houses in the Orpington area, and that, if these regulations were removed, the work would be done much quicker?
§ Mr. BevanThe hon. Member is given to making what are quite often irrelevant obiter dicta on the matter.
§ Sir W. Smithers" Et tu, Brute."