§ Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the delay which often takes place in starting private house building owing to recipients of licences declining them because of the present cost of housebuilding, causing the same licence, subsequently, being issued to another person who may, also, after further delay, decline it; and whether he will circularise local authorities, where possible to give prior notice to those to whom licences may shortly be issued, and then to issue them, subject to acceptance, within, say, seven days.
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§ Mr. H. MacmillanLocal authorities have already been asked to ensure that licences are only issued where they are satisfied that work will commence within a reasonable period. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular.