asked the Minister of Works if Circular E.W. 40, Civilian Building Control, was issued by the Willesden Borough Council by his order; and if similar instructions were sent to all local authorities.

No, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this form, together with similar forms, is one of the main reasons for the delay in building small houses?

No, Sir, this form—and similar forms used by local authorities—is one of the main instruments for determining that available materials should be put into houses, and should not go elsewhere.

But it takes weeks to determine that.