§ 2. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Works what progress has been made in taking the survey of derelict buildings which could be pulled down to provide scrap metal and sites for new buildings undertaken on his instructions by the National Federation of Demolition Contractors.
§ Mr. EcclesI have not yet received the report which I invited the National Federation of Demolition Contractors to make.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to press ahead with this so that next year, being Coronation year, as many as possible of the derelict buildings can be taken down and use made of the scrap material?
§ Mr. EcclesYes, Sir.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs my right hon. Friend aware that about 200,000 houses a year are becoming derelict because of the operation of the Rent Restrictions Act under which landlords do not receive enough rent to have the houses repaired? If he wants homes for the people, will he use his influence to get that Act repealed?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is another question.