asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some local authorities are using inflammable material for weatherproofing bombed houses; and, in view of the increased danger this provides, whether he can take steps to render such material reasonably fireproof, or to make more suitable material available?

I am aware that some local authorities, realising that it is essential that first-aid repairs to houses should be carried out as soon as possible after damage has occurred, have where circumstances have precluded other methods of repair, patched roofs with inflammable material. After consultation with my noble Friend the Minister of Works and Buildings, I am drawing the attention of local authorities to the importance of using non-inflammable materials whenever possible. I am emphasising that if the use of inflammable material is, on occasion, unavoidable, it should be replaced by other material at the earliest practicable moment.

Will the Minister see that such inflammable material as is still being used is rendered fireproof by some chemical means?

I am not sure about that.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of serious complaints in Sheffield that whilst many houses damaged by enemy action are not receiving attention, other houses of a particular character, of which he has been informed, have no difficulty in having the repairs executed; and what steps he is taking to remedy this?

No, Sir, but I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that luxury shops are not being reconstructed in preference to houses which are wanted, and will he watch carefully to see that there is no discrimination of this type by the building industry or the Ministry of Works and Buildings?

That question is so vague that I should like to see it on the Paper.