66. Dr. Salterasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, despite the serious shortage of accommodation available at rents within the means of the lower-paid wage-earners in the Croydon district and the grave overcrowding prevalent in the area, the Corporation of Croydon have made regulations under which an applicant for a municipal house must have resided in the borough for a period of at least 10 years to render such applicant eligible for a dwelling let at a rent of less than £1 per week; and whether such a policy has his approval?
§ Sir K. WoodI understand that the regulations made by the town council include a condition to the effect mentioned, but that this condition is relaxed in the case of overcrowded families, persons displaced by slum clearance and the abatement of overcrowding, and other cases where special circumstances exist. My approval is not required to the regulations made by local authorities for the management of the houses provided by them.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that such allegations as are contained in this question have any substance, and does he not think he had better inform himself of what foundation there is for them?
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the members of this council hold the same views as the hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. G. Williams)?
§ Sir K. WoodThen I congratulate them.