§ Mr. Saltasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the considerable destruction to house property by enemy air raids in such towns as Birmingham, he will consider having the country divided into regional districts, the officer in charge to have power to requisition all available building trade operatives within that region, and to call for assistance from other regional officers whose areas may not be so seriously affected in order that first-aid repairs may be more rapidly dealt with?
§ Mr. HicksI have been asked to reply. Arrangements on the lines suggested are under consideration.
§ Mr. Stokesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings on what basis he proposes to organise the reconstruction of damaged cities; and whether, in order to prevent ground landlords continuing to benefit from the common effort, he proposes to press for the introduction of a tax on site values?
§ Mr. HicksMy Noble Friend has the subject of damaged cities under review. The latter part of the Question raises an issue of taxation which is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.