§ 47. Mr. McENTEEasked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to see a deputation from tenants residing in Pulford Street and Aylesford Street, Westminster; whether he is aware that citizens of Westminster subscribed by voluntary contributions £32,000 towards the purchase from the London County Council of land in Pulford Street for the erection of working-class dwellings, and that the project has now been handed over to the Westminster Housing Trust, whose prospectus promises interest at 4 per cent.; can he state how and by what means the land has been transferred to the Housing Trust; whether, in giving an additional plot of land, the Duke of Westminster imposed any terms; if so, can he state their nature; whether he is aware that the scheme provides for only 180 flats, with the result that there are no small flats available for people with slender means; and whether, in view of the origin of the scheme, he will have further inquiries made with a view to securing that adequate housing accommodation for the people in the area shall be the primary aim?
Sir H. YOUNGThis is not a matter in which I have any power to intervene, but I caused inquiries to be made into questions addressed to me by the Pulford Street Tenants Committee. These inquiries have not revealed any grounds for dissatisfaction with the scheme. I do not consider that there would be advantage in the reception of such a deputation as is suggested.
§ Mr. McENTEEDuring those inquiries did the right hon. Gentleman learn whether the Duke of Westminster imposed any terms as a condition of the development? That is a part of the question, and I should like to have an answer.
Sir H. YOUNGI could not answer that without more consideration. If the hon. Member wants a specific answer on 2769 that point, I shall be happy to give it to him. The general purport of the reply is that this is not a matter in which I have power to intervene.
§ Mr. McENTEEIf the right hon. Gentleman could make further inquiries and give me that specific information, I should be very much obliged.
Sir H. YOUNGI will give the hon. Member the specific information and I hope that there will be no need for further inquiries.
§ Mr. LAWSONWill the right hon. Gentleman give very careful attention to this area, because in the development of business premises there seems a great tendency to crush out workers who are actually working in Westminster itself?