Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the results of an investigation upon. Tyneside by Dr. D. M. Goodfellow, revealing in detail the confused and unsatisfactory nature of the social services, and of local government in that area; and whether, in view of pressing social problems resulting from the present war, he is considering a comprehensive policy of municipal reconstruction for immediate application?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have seen a copy of Dr. Goodfellow's report and it is being examined in my Department. I do not think that the House or the localities concerned would agree with the hon. Member's suggestion that there should386W be a comprehensive municipal reconstruction now. This is a matter which will have to be taken up when we can see what post-war conditions are likely to be.