25. Captain CAZALETasked the Minister of Health whether he can give the House any further information in regard to the statistics which he proposes to publish, showing the number of houses built and the number of slum dwellings demolished during recent months; and whether he will issue such figures to the Press at regular intervals?
Sir H. YOUNGThe statistics will be tabulated in a half-yearly return dealing with house production and slum clearance. For details I am afraid I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await -the publication of the return which, as I have already stated, will be issued as soon as possible after the end of September.
Captain CAZALETWould my right hon. Friend consider publishing some figures, if not all, every quarter, instead of twice a year, so that the country may know the very substantial progress that is being made in these matters?
Sir H. YOUNGIn fact, very close consideration has been given to that question, but it has been found that the labour involved by more frequent publi- 1251 cation would not be justified, in view of the results. The half-yearly returns will probably give a sufficiently close view of the situation.
§ Mr. THORNEWill that half-yearly return contain figures as to the number of houses that have been built for letting and not for sale?
Sir H. YOUNGI must ask hon. Members to await the actual details in the return when it is published. It will deal with house production.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSWill the figures include houses that have been demolished because they are worn out, though not part of a slum clearance scheme?
§ Mr. MAXTONCould the right hon. Gentleman not do something with the films in this matter?