§ 93. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that there is very considerable overcrowding in various parts of the borough of Poplar, and that this overcrowding has existed for many years past, and results in great sickness and distress amongst the people obliged to crowd together in so unhealthy a manner, and also adds to the death rate in the districts concerned; whether he is aware that his Department, although appealed to on many occasions, has refused permission to the local borough council to acquire sites in Poplar and in Bow on which new houses and flats might be built which would, to some extent, relieve the situation and whether he will give instructions that the Poplar Council shall be given permission to acquire the sites and get on with the provision of houses?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is understood that the hon. Member is 493 referring to two sites which, after very full consideration, were not approved under the late assisted scheme on grounds of cost. Apart from the question of financial assistance, the approval of the Minister of Health to the purchase of sites by the borough council is not required, and it is understood that the council recently decided to purchase one of the sites.