§ 25. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the resolution from the Leigh Town Council drawing his attention to the serious overcrowding which exists, the long waiting list for houses, and the failure of private enterprise to build houses under the 1933 Housing Act; and, in view of this, will he consider re-introducing financial assistance to local authorities to meet the housing need?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)I have considered the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. In reply to the second part of the question, any local authority the needs of whose district are not being met by private enterprise are free to build any houses required, and I have at present before me proposals from the Leigh Town Council for the erection of 200 houses which I hope to sanction at an early date.
§ Mr. TINKERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has not been one application by a private builder in the area under the 1933 Act; and does not that indicate a failure of the Act?
§ Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. In the circumstances local authorities are quite right in putting forward their application.