HC Deb 12 February 1948 vol 447 c559
30. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Health if, in the near future, he anticipates allowing permits for building houses by private builders in districts where there are no requirements for miners or agricultural labourers' dwellings and where local unemployment may result.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)

As indicated in a circular to local authorities of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, the placing of fresh contracts must for the present be strictly controlled, but, while priority will be given to houses for miners and agricultural workers, the, contracts will not be limited to these houses.

Mr. Williams

Is the Minister aware that there are cases of this sort of thing happening? We want the houses, but we do not want unemployment, and surely the right hon. Gentleman's policy is very short-sighted.

Mr. Bevan

On the contrary, the accelerated rate of completion of houses is itself evidence of the success of the policy.

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