HC Deb 08 July 1936 vol 314 cc1208-9
84. Mr. POTTS

asked the Minister of Health whether he will authorise the introduction of legislation enabling local authorities again to proceed with the building of houses for the working classes aided by finance as hitherto?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Financial assistance from the Exchequer is already available for local authorities under the Housing Acts of 1930 and 1935 and the execution of their building programmes under those Acts will occupy the energies of local authorities for some time to come. The removal of unfit houses and the abatement of overcrowding are in the opinion of my right hon. Friend the most urgent housing tasks of local authorities.

Mr. POTTS

I am asking whether the Government are making any provision for seeing that these houses are provided? In the County Borough of Barnsley there are 2,644 on the waiting list at this moment. What steps do the Government propose to take to remedy this situation?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The Borough of Barnsley, like every other local authority, has been actively engaged in an overcrowding survey and will present a report to the Minister.

Mr. E. SMITH

Will the Parliamentary Secretary take into consideration the evidence produced in the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board?