§ 24. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Minister of Health whether he will explain the purpose of the zonal confer- 1380 ences now being held on housing; and why the Press and local builders are excluded from these meetings.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsI would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 23 of the White Paper on the Housing Programme for 1947. The conferences are informal and the figures discussed are provisional. A statement is usually issued to the Press when a conference is concluded. The local figures, when agreed, will be presented to Parliament in the monthly housing return and will be made available simultaneously to the Press.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the fact that the Press and local builders are excluded from these conferences in some areas, is leading to fears that what is intended here is not to obtain local information as to housing conditions and advice from local builders, but to ensure that local authorities do not deviate in any degree from the policy of the Government? If this policy is good, is there any need to withstand publicity?
§ Mr. EdwardsThere are no grounds for such a fear. The conference is one of local authorities and not a conference of builders.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Smith.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe other Mr. Smith.
§ Mr. Charles SmithWill the Minister confirm that the figures which emerge from these conferences are agreed and not imposed?
§ Mr. EdwardsYes, Sir.
§ Mr. SpeakerThis Mr. Smith—[Laughter.]
Mr. E. P. SmithCan the Minister assure the House that it is not the policy of His Majesty's Government to exclude the Press from important conferences?
§ Mr. EdwardsThese conferences are not conferences of the kind where one would normally expect the Press to be present. They are essentially committee discussions of a highly involved, detailed and intricate character. The findings of such committee discussions will be made public.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, so far as the Eastern area is concerned, in the notification given to local authorities of the conference an order was made telling the local authorities that they must delegate powers to the representatives attending the conference and that those delegates must have the full authority to vote? Is this not a gross overriding of the right of delegation of local authorities?
§ Mr. EdwardsI do not think so. If we want to call representatives to concert action, we must allow them to take action.