§ Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health to what extent major local authorities are, at the present time, able to acquire land to enable them to build health centres when conditions are more favourable; and whether he will take steps to increase these powers where they are insufficient.
§ Mr. BevanThere are ample powers it Section 58 of the National Health Service Act, but I am advised that these cannot be exercised yet. Provincial authorities can proceed under the Public Health Act, 1936. The powers conferred by the corresponding London Act are narrower, but I fear that I cannot promise legislation to increase them.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes my right hon. Friend realise how important it is that sites that are required for health centres should not be lost for all time, because sufficient powers are not available?
§ Mr. BevanI doubt whether sites are being lost. At all events, it is no use at the moment acquiring them too far ahead of time, because the health centres could not be built at the present time' for lack of building materials and labour owing to the prior claims of housing. Next year the position may be different.