HC Deb 15 July 1958 vol 591 cc997-8
38. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what further action he proposes to take regarding speculative housing in view of paragraphs 53 and 54 of the Fifteenth Report of the Royal Fine Art Commission.

Mr. H. Brooke

A great deal of good advice has been given on this subject in recent years, both through my Department and otherwise, and there are many excellent examples of well-designed modern houses to be seen. It is for local planning authorities to induce private builders to adopt better designs, and I believe that they could do more in this direction. I am sure that all these authorities have read and will profit by the latest Report of the Royal Fine Art Commission.

Mr. Willey

While we all appreciate the good advice, may I ask the Minister if he is aware that these paragraphs are very depressing reading, and demand much more vigorous action by his Department?

Mr. Brooke

In fact, there is a great deal of good work being done, as well as bad work, in different parts of the country. The truth is that it is very hard to teach taste.

Mr. Willey

Will the right hon. Gentleman encourage the good?