HC Deb 10 July 1919 vol 117 cc2014-5
73. Major PRESCOTT

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that numbers of demobilised soldiers in almost every town are unable to get suitable living accommodation, which is causing public concern; whether, in view of the waste of time involved in relying upon local authorities to meet the national need for a quick supply of houses, he will consider the expediency of establishing an emergency organisation with a view to making good the shortage of houses in the same way in which the Government got shells, explosives, and other munitions of war?

Dr. ADDISON

In the circumstances referred to in. the question, when the local authority is not able to deal with the matter with sufficient rapidity it will be possible to take such action as is suggested by my hon. Friend if the Housing Bill passes into law in its present form.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In order to assist the local authorities, will the hon. Gentleman consider the question of earmarking the Army huts, particularly for housing demobilised and Service men?

Dr. ADDISON

We have already gone into this question in great detail.