HC Deb 14 December 1926 vol 200 cc2766-7
55. Mr. BRIANT

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the homeless workers of Westminster have to seek accommodation in neighbouring London boroughs that are already carrying heavy financial burdens, in spite of the fact that housing sites are available in Westminster itself; and whether he will cause the attention of the Westminster housing authority to be drawn to the desirability of making use of sites that from time to time become available for housing the workers?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend appreciates the need of additional housing accommodation for workers in Westminster, and has fully discussed with the Westminster City Council the possible building sites which are available. The high cost of land in Westminster materially increases the difficulty of providing housing accommodation at a reasonable rent, and, while my right hon. Friend would be glad to consider any further proposals submitted to him by the City Council, relief for the overcrowded population of Central London must come, in the main, from the large building schemes of the London County Council.

Mr. BRIANT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a site known as the Pulford Street site, which would house about 500 families, and will he use his influence with the Westminster Council, so that it may be secured for this purpose?

Sir K. WOOD

That is a different matter. The hon. Gentleman is now referring to a particular scheme, but this is a general question.

Mr. RYE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Westminster City Council has in hand at the present time two housing schemes, one of which will provide 77 tenements, and that during the last eight years the Westminster City Council has contributed to the London County Council housing schemes no less than £250,000?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not also a fact that a very large number of workers in Westminster live outside the city from choice, and are very happy to do so?

Mr. THURTLE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the City of Westminster there are at the present time large numbers of empty houses that have been standing empty for many months, and will he take steps to see that those houses are utilised?

Back to