HC Deb 14 March 1923 vol 161 cc1541-2
57. Mr. BECKER

asked the Minister of Health if, as only 204,000 persons are being relieved by the Poor Law authorities in workhouses whereas there is accommodation for 282,000 persons, he will consider the possibility of converting the unoccupied portions of the workhouses into workmen's flats and thereby relieve the rates to the amount of the rents received?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It would seldom be practicable or economical to convert temporarily unoccupied portions of workhouses into dwellings, but I am quite ready to consider any proposal that may be made for this purpose.

Mr. BUCHANAN

A large number of dwelling houses are occupied by the rich, or rather only partly occupied; would the right hon. Gentleman consider turning them into houses for working people?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That does not arise out of the question; this reference is to workhouses.