§ 58. Mr. PONSONBYasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that, in the recent storm, considerable damage was done by flood and fire to the huts in the Tyler Street district in Sheffield; what immediate steps the Office of Works are taking to repair the damage and safeguard the huts from flooding after storms; and whether the Government will consider replacing the temporary sheds by permanent houses?
§ Sir J. BAIRDYes, Sir, and my officers took immediate steps to provide other accommodation and furniture for the tenants, who were happily uninjured, but had to leave their houses. Repairs to the damaged huts and roadways are in hand. These houses were erected to meet a war-time emergency, and my Department has no power to replace them by permanent structures.
§ Mr. PONSONBYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the disgraceful character of the surroundings and lighting of these huts and that the town council cannot be expected to spend money on the surroundings because the huts are of a temporary character; and cannot he do something further in regard to the matter?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI am quite prepared to look into this matter, in the light of the hon. Member's supplementary question. There is always difficulty in dealing with temporary structures, which, as their name implies, are only intended to carry on for a certain time.
§ Mr. CECIL WILSONIs the right hon. Gentleman also aware that the huts are in a very exposed position and that there is no protection whatever, so far as the lighting is concerned, if a fire were to take place; and can anything be done to make them more safe?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI will also look into that point.