§ 3. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Health if he will consider allowing a limited number of houses to be built by private enterprise specifically for letting to tenants.
§ Mr. BevanI would refer the hon. Member to Circular 102/49 regarding the review of the housing programme, of which I enclose a copy. I hope to be able to give further instructions in the near future and will bear in mind the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it not a fact that the majority of the houses that are now being built are built by private enterprise for local authorities? Will my right hon. Friend urge upon local authorities the desirability of establishing public works departments of their own in order to build houses by direct labour?
§ Mr. BevanThat is another issue entirely. This is a question whether it would not be desirable in some instances that private persons should have licences to build houses to let. I am satisfied that there are some instances where that would be a general advantage.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersWith reference to the recent economy measures taken by the Government, will the Minister give an assurance that the stopping of private building was not a sop in relation to the shilling on a prescription?