§ Mr. C. Manningasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the case of at least one Metropolitan borough council, advice has been given by his regional office that the various factors which had to be taken into consideration in accordance with his regional circular, sated 3rd February, 1943, concerning the release of houses under requisition for rehousing purposes, were applicable only during the war period and that these instructions should not now be too rigidly followed; and, as the housing problem in the greater part of the London area is still as acute as ever and local authorities in this matter are acting as his 269W agents, if he will consider issuing a modified circular giving guidance as to the broad lines of principle which should be followed.
§ Mr. Bevan:I do not think it necessary to issue a general circular on this question at the present time. My officers are always ready to help local authorities by giving guidance when they seek it. I am aware of a letter addressed to an individual authority for their guidance in dealing with individual cases. Circumstances vary widely in different districts.