Mr. L. MALONEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the number of factories being constructed throughout England, many of them for such unnecessary commodities as gramophones, piano-players, quack medicines, and so on; the amount of building labour and material employed on the factories; and, if so, what steps he is taking to divert it for the construction of houses which are so urgently required?
§ Dr. ADDISONLocal authorities have been given powers under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, for the prohibition of building operations interfering with the provision of dwelling accommodation, and I have issued a memorandum for the guidance of local authorities in the exercise of these powers, dealing especially with the order of priority in which buildings competing with housing schemes should be considered. Action has already been taken by a number of local authorities, and the question of strengthening the powers of dealing with this matter is under consideration.