§ 47. Mr. HARRISasked the Prime Minister what answer he has given to a recent deputation asking for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole housing problem; if he proposes to appoint a Royal Commission; and, if not, whether he proposes to appoint a special committee to report on the subject at an early date?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)The suggestions of the deputation which waited on me have been very carefully considered, but having regard to all the circumstances I do not think that the appointment of a Royal Commission or a special committee would assist in the solution of the housing problems. An official report of the proceedings of the deputation was issued on Thursday evening last and subsequently appeared in the Press.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that in spite of all the efforts of local authorities to build houses, the slum conditions remain very much as they were after the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe arguments were set forth very fully in the speeches, which were reported in the Press.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs it the view of the Prime Minister that the progress that has been made towards solving the housing problem is satisfactory?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt will be a long time before progress is satisfactory, but it is more satisfactory than under any previous Government.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the Prime Minister said that this was one of the greatest menaces this country had to face; and is he satisfied that his Government is fighting that menace just as effectively as the Germans were fought?