asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning why he has refused permission to the urban district council of Portishead to erect three houses extra to their programme when all equipment, labour, etc., for these three houses is available in the district.

I am prepared to reconsider this matter if the Portishead Council can satisfy me that three additional houses can be built with the available building labour and materials.

Is the Minister aware that the Portishead Council have already told his Department that they are entirely satisfied?

Yes, Sir, but I am not myself entirely satisfied. I am prepared and anxious to see in every area building to the limit of the available labour and materials, and if Portishead can show me that they can do better they shall have their licence.

Would it not be better to let them try first?

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that every local authority can build three more houses if they show—

This deals with Portishead only.

In what way does the Minister want further proof? We have already given it to him on paper. What more can we do to convince him?

Perhaps the hon. Member had better come and have a talk with me.