§ 61. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that there are over 100 local authorities in Greater London who are concerned with the improvement of the existing, and the provision of new, housing accommodation for the working-classes, he will consider the advisability of setting up a Departmental Committee for the purpose of examining this question with the object of introducing legislation for the creation of a central authority to deal with all housing matters on a comprehensive scale in Greater London?
§ Mr. GREENWOODWhile I have much sympathy with the idea which underlies my hon. Friend's question, I do not think there would be advantage at the present time in the appointment of a committee for this purpose.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that under the present system of divided control between the county and the local authorities the working-classes are unable to procure good and sufficient houses?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThat is a very large question which touches the whole structure of local housing in London.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that the London County Council and other local authorities say that overcrowding is increasing more and more every day?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThey have the remedy in their own hands.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are boroughs in greater London, where all the available land has been used and where there is great overcrowding, whose citizens cannot obtain houses on the London County Council estates?
§ Mr. GREENWOODGreater London is an area over which the London County-Council has no control. If they are within the area of the London County Council it is their responsibility.