15. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health how many of the 500,000 houses promised on behalf of the Government by his predecessor have been completed and occupied; how many more are in course of construction; and when will he authorise local authorities to proceed with the balance?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Alfred Mond)The number of houses completed by local authorities, public utility societies, and private builders under the State-aided scheme on the 1st April was 130,335, the majority of which are, of course, occupied, and, in addition, 2,928 dwellings have been provided by the conversion of huts and hostels 52,417 houses are in course of construction by local authorities and public utility societies, and 21,151 houses, with which these authorities have been authorised to proceed, have not yet been commenced; in addition, preliminary certi- 541 ficates have been issued for 12,295 houses to be built by private builders. As I have frequently stated, it is not the intention of the Government to proceed with further houses beyond the number I stated on behalf of the Government last summer. I would point out that local authorities are at liberty to build houses outside their assisted schemes.
Mr. THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain industrial towns, the overcrowding is exceedingly bad, above the average, and will he give special consideration to granting further consent for the erection of houses in those districts under the assisted schemes?
§ Sir A. MONDSo far as figures permit, that is what I am trying to do, but I may point out that the local authorities can assist by building houses in those districts.
§ Mr. MILLSCould the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether or not he has had Parliamentary permission to allow municipalities to sell the houses of those who refuse to let them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question should be put down.