§ 93. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if he will ensure that new buildings shall harmonise with and not spoil their surroundings; and what steps he is taking to encourage the construction of houses of stone and other local materials and the employment of stonemasons, and to discourage, especially in the more beautiful parts of the country, the erection of permanent houses of a kind which will not so harmonise.
§ Mr. SilkinThe subject, particularly as regards "harmony" is a difficult one to deal with by way of Question and answer, though the hon. Member can take it that I am broadly in sympathy with what I believe to be the objects he has in view. On the specific points raised, I and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health346W are taking all practicable steps to encourage the use of stone and other local materials where suitable, and it is our aim by the gradual process of guidance of local authorities to ensure that care is taken to secure that particularly in beautiful parts of the countryside permanent houses are in keeping with surroundings.