§ Sir R. Birdasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the opinion, widely held by building trade operatives, that the stagnation in that industry would disappear if the ban on the issue of local housing loans were raised; and will he therefore give consideration to the immediate removal of this restriction?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that various opinions in this matter have been expressed but I would point out that there is another very important factor, namely, the demand on building materials for other purposes. I regret that it is not possible, at the moment, to contemplate any general relaxation of existing restrictions, but arrangements have already been made which will, I hope, ensure that both finance and materials will be available for the provision of houses urgently required for the accommodation of workers in the war factories and on the land.