HC Deb 14 May 1925 vol 183 cc2020-1
Mr. MAXTON

asked the Minister of Health if he has been informed of the ejectment of a family from a house in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, and that this family, consisting of father, mother, and nine children, had to be accommodated in a hut, six feet by six feet, on the council allotments, no other accommodation being available; and if he will consider using his special powers to supersede the local authority in the erection of houses for the working classes?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no information as to the particular ease to which the hon. Member refers. I have no power to supersede a local authority in the erection of houses except where I am satisfied that they have failed to fulfil their obligations under the Housing Acts. The local authority in this case have already erected a substantial number of houses, and further schemes are in progress both by private enterprise under the Act of 1923 and by the local authority under the Act of 1924.

Mr. MAXTON

Is not the fact that a hut on an allotment was the only available accommodation for a family of 11 fair evidence that there is no accommodation available for the working classes?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have told the hon. Member I have no information on the particular case.

Major HOREBELISHA

In how many cases has the right hon. Gentleman taken this matter case of the hands of local authoritieson the grounds he mentioned?

Captain MacMILLAN

Is not this a case of the want of steel houses?