§ 53. Mr. MACMASTERasked the Minister of Reconstruction if he is fully informed of the house famine and consequent distress that now prevails in the country districts, and in the neighbourhood of cities, towns, and villages throughout the United Kingdom; whether, pending the acquisition of land, designing and deciding upon plans, and erecting houses for permanent homes as projected, he will take steps as a measure of relief from congestion and suffering to provide temporary dwellings from the materials used in the construction of military camps and huts, and also from the materials unused and now remaining under the control of the Government or in the hands of their contractors which might be usefully and promptly employed in the construction of temporary houses; and whether he will see that these and all other necessary measures of relief are taken in the general public intrest, as well as in the interest of the working classes of the country?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am fully aware of the great shortage in housing accommodation and I am using every endeavour to secure that it shall be met as rapidly as possible. I am willing to consider proposals for the provision of temporary accommodation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member in places where the shortage is specially acute. I cannot, however, promise that State financial assistance towards such temporary 2890 provision will necessarily be available to the same extent as is the case of permanent housing.
§ Mr. CLYNESWill the right hon. Gentleman say from whom he expects these proposals to come?
§ Dr. ADDISONA considerable number have already come in.