§ 54. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, by arrangement with housing authorities, he will provide a pool of building licences on a regional basis, in order to help applicants who, while satisfying the criterion of housing need, live in one district and are desirous of building in another.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Ernest Marples)Since the decision whether a licence should be issued rests with the local authority, my 25 right hon. Friend does not think the suggestion would secure the object his hon. Friend has in mind, but if he has any particular cases in mind my right hon. Friend will look into them.
§ Mr. BraineIf my hon. Friend is willing to look at particular cases he must be aware that hardship is being caused. Is it not absurd that people who ought to move through reasons of health are condemned by this system to stay put? Will he devise some administrative solution?
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend agrees that the system does not work smoothly in all cases and, if my hon. Friend has particular cases in mind, the best way to provide a solution would be by approaching the local authority.
§ Sir Edward KeelingSurely my hon. Friend has information already.