HC Deb 04 February 1953 vol 510 c1845

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

85. Mr. FENNER BROCKWAY

To ask the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take arising out of letters addressed to his Department by the town clerk of Slough on 23rd December and 28th January, endorsing the attitude of the hon. Member for Eton and Slough on the need to defer the automatic licensing of privately-built houses in the borough.

Mr. Brockway

On a point of order. I understood yesterday, Mr. Speaker, that you gave me permission to raise a point of order related to Question No. 85. I have seen the Minister this morning and I understood that he acquiesced in the suggestion that the matter should be raised by my first raising a point of order with you.

Mr. Speaker

The Minister wishes to deal with the matter by answering the Question of the hon. Member which is on the Paper.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

The hon. Gentleman seems to feel that a reply which I gave to a supplementary question some days ago regarding housing in his constituency, reflected in some way upon his integrity. The point at issue was a somewhat complicated one on which I will not trouble the House, but if he feels that I am in any way doubting either his veracity or good faith of course I unreservedly withdraw any such suggestion and offer him my apologies. I should be happy to consult further with the hon. Gentleman as to the best way to resolve this particular problem.

Mr. Brockway

May I express my appreciation of that withdrawal and apology?