§ 40. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Minister of Health what evidence he has as to the extent of overcrowding in slum 1372 areas now as compared with the period of the 1921 Census; and if he has evidence to show that housing schemes are, in fact, relieving overcrowding amongst any section and in particular of the slum-dwelling section of the population?
§ Sir K. WOODAs the large numbers of houses which have been built in recent years have exceeded the requirements of the increased population, it is obvious that they must have contributed very largely towards the relief of overcrowding, including overcrowding in the slums. I have, however, no later information as to the densities of persons per room than the statistics contained in the 1921 Census. These figures are not confined to slum areas, which, indeed, the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate, is a somewhat elastic term.
§ 43. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the menace to health which follows the overcrowding of the poorer portion of the people in the county borough of West Ham; and what steps he proposes to take to relieve the evil?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware of the housing position in the district in question. The local authority have undertaken, with my right hon. Friend's approval, a scheme under the Housing Act of 1924 for the provision of 420 dwellings, of which number over one-half have been completed.