§ Mr. Silkinasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some Metropolitan borough councils are unable to exercise their powers under the Housing (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, to carry out repairs to houses damaged by air raids; that many landlords are unable or unwilling to carry out such repairs; and whether he will take steps to ensure that necessary repairs are rapidly carried out?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware that in certain Metropolitan boroughs there have been delays in the execution of repairs owing to the great extent of the problem to be faced. The urgency of these repairs is fully recognised, and my inspectors have been keeping in close touch with the authorities concerned in order to give them all assistance within their power. The chief difficulty is shortage of skilled labour, and the Government are actively considering the best methods of augmenting the labour available for repairs.