HC Deb 16 March 1926 vol 193 cc256-7
86 and 87. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he can obtain from the census notes of the Registrar-General, or the medical officer of health, or from any other source, particulars of how many one-roomed tenements there are in the St. Aubyn and Nelson Wards, respectively; and what is the greatest number of occupants living in each;

(2) whether he will obtain from the Registrar-General's census notes, or from the medical officer of health for Plymouth, or from any other source available, the figures showing the percentage of the population of Devonport who are living under conditions which according to the census definition are officially overcrowded: and whether he will also obtain similar figures for the St. Aubyn and Nelson Wards, respectively?

Sir K. WOOD

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available in my right hon. Friend's Department, and that it could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time and money.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the census figures could never have been got out unless these figures were in existence: and will he not obtain them?

Sir K. WOOD

I have told the hon. Member that as far as my Department is concerned it has not got them, and as any further inquiry will involve considerable time and expense, I hope he will not press the matter.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Will, the right hen. Gentleman deny that his Department is responsible for these important figures, and as they must be in existence, what is the reason for withholding them?

Sir K. WOOD

Because I have not got them.