§ 61. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the difficulty which demobilised soldiers are finding to obtain houses for themselves and families, and the many cases where the wife and children have gone into smaller accommodation while the man was in the Army, the landlords now refuse, to let them have houses; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Major Astor)I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware of the great difficulties occasioned by the shortage of houses, and we are using every endeavour to secure the provision of new accommodation. I believe local authorities will give special consideration to the needs of demobilised soldiers in the letting of houses as they are provided under their schemes.
§ Sir A. YEOWhat steps do the Government intend to take to get houses for these men? They are refused because they have children, while the nation is talking about child-life?
§ Major ASTORWe believe that the houses provided by the local authorities under our proposals will enable all parties to get houses whether they have children or not.
§ Sir A. YEOWhat steps does the hon. Gentleman propose to take now?
§ Major ASTORWe are trying to get the local authorities to build houses now.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSWhat is being done to meet the immediate emergency which must be dealt with before the houses are in existence?
§ Major ASTORWe are doing all we can to get the houses put up as rapidly as possible.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman consider legislation giving priority to people with children in the allocation of small houses?
§ Major ASTORWe are considering the possibility of doing this by regulation.