§ Mr. BURGESSasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he is aware that local authori- 3363W ties who have issued housing bonds have been directed to repay such part of the moneys raised as is surplus to the capital requirements; whether he is aware that in some cases, at least, these bonds were issued for five years without any reservation; and whether it is the policy of the Department by this means to discourage the completion of existing, and the development of further, housing schemes?
§ Sir M. BARLOWI think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. In some cases where local authorities have issued local bonds in excess of their requirements for housing and are able by agreement with the holders to repay the bonds before maturing, they have been informed that they should do so.