§ Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Health whether the London County Council has made an order prohibiting the reconstruction of certain large premises, among them Messrs. Harrods and Selfridges, and premises at the corner of Arlington Street and Piccadilly; whether such an order will greatly restrict industry and opportunity of employment; whether any men will be thrown out of employment thereby; if so, whether they can be employed on the construction of houses for the working classes; whether the demolition and rebuilding of any of the premises affected by the order would result in street widening and improvements; and, if so, whether, under the circumstances, the Ministry of Health will propose an amendment to the Act which enables such orders to be made, and do all in their power to bring pressure to bear upon the trade unions concerned to relax their restrictions and permit the employment of more men in the industry?
§ Dr. ADDISONI understand that it is not a fact that orders have been made by the London County Council in respect of the premises referred to. In reply to the latter part of the question I am not prepared to propose that the power to make such orders should be withdrawn.
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