§ 39. Mr. HAMER RUSSELLasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there are in Sheffield some 700 or 800 wooden huts, erected in 1915–16, for the purpose of providing temporary accommodation for munition workers; that the huts are now used permanently for human habitation; that they in no way comply with the building by-laws; that many of them are infested with bugs; and what steps he is prepared to take to deal with the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend is aware of the existence of these huts, the demolition of which is contemplated by the Corporation of Sheffield. Their slum programme is a large one, extending to the demolition of some 9,000 houses in five years, and the Corporation propose to deal first with the worst houses. My right hon. Friend understands that they are advised that these huts are not so bad as other property with which they are dealing at the present time.
§ Mr. RUSSELLDoes my hon. Friend accept the statement of the local authority that there are worse houses in Sheffield than wooden bug-infested huts?