§ Sir A. Baillieasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether, in view of the fusion of building societies, he will have any control over the growing standardisation of various types of houses which, without much architectural value, are tending to disfigure the outskirts of our larger cities?
§ Mr. H. StraussI do not know what fusion of building societies the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, but it does not appear to my Noble Friend that any such fusion would necessarily increase the standardisation of the design of houses. Both in the administration of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, and in the exercise of his general powers of control over building, my Noble Friend will seek to promote good design. I would add that questions of standardisation and questions of architectural decency are distinct and separate questions. A standardised design may be excellent, and bad designs may be found in great variety.