HC Deb 07 July 1920 vol 131 c1477W
Mr. L. MALONE

asked the Minister of Health the number of factories whose construction has been stopped in order that labour may be diverted for the purpose of building houses?

Dr. ADDISON

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a memorandum issued to local authorities for their guidance in exercising their powers for the regulation of building. I am asking for periodical returns of the action taken in this matter, but up to the present the returns are not complete. I have information that at the end of May fourteen orders had been issued suspending the erection of works of "high category," which includes mainly industrial buildings in private ownership which cannot be prohibited without most serious consideration.