§ 21. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Health whether, having 1739 regard to the absence of any reliable estimate of the present shortage of houses in England and Wales, he will cause inquiries to be made of local authorities respecting the requirements of their areas?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINPast experience as regards estimates of the shortage of houses has shown that it is extremely difficult to obtain statistics of any value as a measure of the needs of the population; many factors have to be taken into account, and the difficulties of obtaining uniformity are practically insuperable; moreover, any statistics which might be compiled would speedily be out of date. I do not think, therefore, that I should be warranted in imposing upon local authorities the burden and expense of making such a special inquiry as my hon. Friend contemplates.