§ 55. Mr. GIBBINSasked the Minister of Health whether he will give the latest figures showing how many houses are required to meet the present shortage?
§ Sir K. WOODReliable figures as to the present shortage of houses are not available. I may mention, however, that the present annual rate of house construction is, in my right hon. Friend's opinion, very much in excess of the normal annual requirements, and considerable progress is therefore being made towards overtaking arrears.
§ Mr. PALINGCould the hon. Gentleman say what number,, approximately, is being built annually?
§ Sir K. WOODI should say, approximately, about 200,000 per annum.
§ Mr. HAYESHas the hon. Gentleman taken into account the thousands of houses for sale and not to be let which might be available if he would take steps?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is an entirely different matter; this is a question of the shortage of houses.
§ Mr. HAYESWould not the utilisation of the empty houses for sale help to meet the housing shortage?