§ 26. Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Health the number of house? built by the Camberwell Borough Council and the Chelsea Borough Council under the Wheatley and Chamberlain Acts; and whether he has information as to the hardship created by overcrowding in the two boroughs?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo houses have been built under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924 by the borough councils mentioned, though under the Act of 1919 the borough council of Camberwell built 444 houses and Chelsea built 56. I am aware that overcrowding still exists in these boroughs. The activities of the local authorities in co-operation with the London County Council have, however, been effectual in providing accommodation on the estates of the county council for a considerable number of families living in overcrowded conditions.
§ Mr. KELLYIn view of what is certainly a terrible state of overcrowding, may I take it that the Ministry of Health will use its influence to encourage more building in those districts?
Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are some of the worst slums in London in Chelsea, and would it not be better to teach the Chelsea Borough Council their job instead of sending commissioners to take over the duties of boards of guardians?