§ 57. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the estimated deficiency of living rooms for the people of the county borough of West. Ham was in 1921, 59,324; and, as there has been no substantial improvement in the housing conditions of the borough, will he take special steps to call a conference at an early date with this authority and his officers to make arrangements for improvements to be effected?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware of the figures quoted by the hon. Member, which are taken from the Census Report of 1921. He will be glad at any time to make arrangements for a deputation to discuss their housing difficulties with his Departmint
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the borough of West Ham at the present time there are about 120 vacant houses which the landlords will not let?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is another matter. I would remind the lion. Gentleman that local authorities can acquire such houses
§ Mr. GROVESDoes the hon. Gentleman say that it is necessary for the West Ham Town Council to send a deputation to his Department before we know whether the Department will help us or not? I ask for a conference; can we have it?
§ Sir K. WOODWe shall be very glad to see the authorities concerned at any time in order to discuss their housing difficulties with them