HC Deb 17 October 1946 vol 427 cc1032-3
7. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Health why the proportion of four houses to one for local authorities and private builders is not in operation at Plymouth.

Mr. Bevan

The ratio of four to one applies to the country as a whole and not necessarily to a particular local authority district. At Plymouth the labour resources are insufficient to meet all requirements, and to ensure the best possible progress of the local authority and private enterprise schemes already authorised, it has been necessary strictly to curtail for the present the issue of further licences.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what powers he has to come down on local authorities who deliberately refuse to obey the four to one rule, which they are doing all over the country?

Mr. Bevan

I have said that the four to one rule is not necessarily applicable to any particular area, and I encourage local authorities to reduce the ratio, and not to increase it.

Sir W. Smithers

May we take it the right hon. Gentleman is now supporting private enterprise?

Mr. Bevan

The hon. Gentleman may take it that the policy of the Government is now as it has been since the Government was formed—to construct houses for those in need, and not merely for those who can afford to buy them.

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