§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Health (1) which building material is in such short supply as now to prevent him from allowing private builders to build houses for purchase as well as for letting;
(2) if he is aware that according to the official Statistical Digest there are now more building trade operatives than there ever have been in this country; and why private builders are not permitted to take advantage of this situation and allowed to build houses for purchase as well as for renting.
§ Mr. BevanI would refer the hon. Member to the information given in the Housing Returns on the supply of materials and on the size and disposition of the labour force. The arrangements for the issue of licences for the building of private houses are set out in Circular 108/48, of which I am sending him a copy.