§ 54. Major Beamishasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the annoyance caused to many people in Lewes, and in particular to those who wish to build their own houses, at his refusal to allow the Lewes Borough Council to sell as building plots land acquired by them for housing since the end of the 34W war; and whether he is aware that as a result of this refusal, the council has only been able to issue licences for 12 houses to be built by private enterprise, thus forcing those who wish to build their own houses, and can afford to do so, to continue to live in council houses or to retain their names on the council's list with about 500 other applicants for council houses; and if he will reconsider his decision.
§ Mr. BevanOn the contrary. I informed the council that where they are satisfied that an applicant to whom they would wish to grant a licence is unable to obtain a suitable plot on which to build a house I should be prepared to consider a proposal of the council to lease land to him on being satisfied that the land is not required for housing by the council and that the lease would not interfere with or adversely affect the layout of the remainder of the estate.