HC Deb 26 June 1951 vol 489 c1172
39. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will encourage planning authorities to relax their restrictions on the erection of prefabricated garages as a temporary measure in order to prevent labour and materials being diverted from the building of houses.

Mr. Dalton

Under my General Development Order of 1950 planning consent for garages is only required in exceptional circumstances. Many planning authorities permit prefabricated structures.

Mr. Russell

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many also discourage prefabricated structures, and does he not think it wrong that bricks and other scarce building materials should be used for building garages when they are so much needed for building houses?

Mr. Dalton

Here again I am anxious not to be too grandmotherly with local authorities. They are elected by the people and they have their duties. I do not want to run all their affairs for them.

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