Mr. T. THOMSON:

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of his decision to require local authorities in future to obtain his consent before granting subsidies to houses of a greater density than 20 per acre, he will state what steps he is taking to withdraw or amend paragraph 8 of the appendix of Circular 388a, dated 14th August, 1923; and what fresh instructions he is issuing to local authorities to carry out this change in policy?

As I informed the hon. Member, in reply to a similar question on the 27th ultimo, I propose, in connection with future approvals of housing schemes submitted by local authorities, to require the authorities to submit to me any proposals for building at a density exceeding 20 to the acre.

Mr. THOMSON:

How is the right hon. Gentleman going to require the local authorities to do this, and will he withdraw Circular 388a?

The hon. Member will not quarrel with how I do it, provided I do it effectively and quickly.