73. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that it is nearly a year since the Ministry of Health held a public inquiry in connection with the purchase of a compulsory site at Offenham, Worcestershire, and there are still no building operations in progress, he will make a statement; and if he will expedite these building operations, with special regard to the Government's call for greater food production and the fact that Offenham is a recognised centre for cultivation in Worcestershire.
§ Mr. BevanThe amount of building which can be done is limited by the amount of labour available. Further approval to build, whether at Offenham 2289 or elsewhere in the district, will be considered in the light of the progress made with the schemes in hand.
Mr. De la BèreIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of how all-important is anything to do with the Vale of Evesham, and is he not aware that 365 miserable days have passed and nothing has been done for these poor people?
§ Mr. BevanThe hon. Member, as usual, monstrously exaggerates. I have already said that the local authorities have as many houses in hand as local materials and labour will enable them to build. When they have made more progress with the houses under construction, they can have permission to erect more houses.