69. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is an increasing demand in many parts of England and Wales for small dwellings of a type suitable for occupation by aged persons; and whether he can give the House any information as to the current activities of local authorities in regard to the provision of such dwellings?
§ Sir K. WOODI agree that the demand for small houses and tenements suitable for aged persons appears to be increasing. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for 409 Clay Cross (Mr. Holland) on 25th May last. Up to yesterday the total number of such houses approved by me was 17,267, and at that date proposals to erect a further 897 were under consideration.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the present position in regard to this matter?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, I would like to see further improvements made, and I have communicated with the local authorities to that effect.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs not the shortage of this small type of dwelling due to the fact that in the 1930 Act the Socialists deliberately took action to encourage the increased building of larger dwellings at the expense of the smaller houses?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs that not a, deliberate perversion of the facts?