HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 cc1885-6
23. Earl Winterton

asked the Minister of Health why he has refused to allow the Horsham Urban District Council to permit an increase in the number of houses erected by private enterprise within its area.

Mr. Bevan

I have not received any request on this subject from the council.

Earl Winterton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a request has been made on more than one occasion? If I send him a copy of the recommendation, will he give consideration to it in view of the fact that some attention should be paid to the views of a popularly elected body?

Mr. Bevan

Yes, Sir, but one popularly elected body cannot have any privileges above any other popularly elected body. If there are cases where licences can be issued, I will bear that in mind.

Earl Winterton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of local authorities, particularly in the south of England, have made recommendations to this effect?

Mr. Bevan

Yes, but although they have made recommendations, the House of Commons is still the master in this matter.

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