asked the Minister of Works why, in view of the shortage of houses and homes, a statutory company is empowered to execute works without reference to the local authority; and will he take steps to withdraw these powers.

Defence Regulation 56A provides that work carried out by a Public Utility Company must be authorised by the responsible Government Department before it is started. The control afforded is satisfactory, and it is not considered necessary or desirable to make any alteration in the procedure at present.