HC Deb 22 June 1954 vol 529 cc231-2
41. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why it is proposed to cancel Defence Regulation No. 68CB after 10th December this year.

Mr. Marples

Now that houses are being built in great numbers this emergency provision, which was always intended to be temporary, can no longer be justified.

Mr. Wyatt

As there are many thousands, if not millions, of people who are affected by the Defence Regulation and it is a delusion on the part of the Government to think that they have built enough houses for everybody, cannot the Minister retain this very valuable Regulation which provides important powers?

Mr. Marples

I am afraid that I cannot accept the premises on which the hon. Gentleman bases his supplementary question. Extensive use of the Regulation was hardly made except in the case of one or two towns, notably Nottingham. It is largely redundant now. It is not necessary, and my right hon. Friend can see no justification for its continuance. The Association of Municipal Corporations agree with the view that the Defence Regulation should he abolished, although they would like it retained for about six months.

Mr. Wyatt

If the hon. Gentleman is provided with information from Birmingham to show that the Defence Regulation is not redundant, will he consider retaining it?