§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Health whether local authorities in dealing with properties damaged by enemy action 1162W are empowered to carry out all necessary repairs without regard to the limitations implied in the term first aid; and, where local authorities may be unwilling to carry out such powers, if he will give attention to the need of meeting the requirements of small property owners in carrying out their own repairs and enable them to pay contractors for the work performed?
Mr. M. MacDonaldLocal authorities are empowered to do the repairs that are necessary to make houses fit for housing purposes. Their powers extend therefore to permanent repairs as well as to those of a temporary nature, but, whereas first-aid repairs will be carried out as speedily as possible, the question whether it is necessary or wise to proceed with more permanent repairs depends on a number of considerations, particularly the possibility of further damage in the immediate future, and the availability of labour and materials. The question of payment for repairs carried out by owners themselves is one of the matters which will fall to be considered under the proposed compensation scheme.