HC Deb 08 April 1937 vol 322 cc348-9
62. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities in England and Wales have made application for Exchequer grants in aid of accommodation to be provided, otherwise than in blocks of flats on expensive sites, for the abatement of overcrowding under the terms of Section 32 of the Housing Act, 1935, and Section 107 of the Housing Act, 1936; and the number and amount of the grants approved by him under those Sections up to the end of February, 1937?

Sir K. Wood

Up to 28th February, 1937, applications have been received from 102 local authorities and grants have been approved for 22 local authorities, the grants being £5 in respect of 1,019 houses, £4 in respect of 434 houses, and £2 in respect of 111 houses for a period of 20 years in each case. As regards the remainder 50 are at present under consideration, 10 have been withdrawn, 11 suspended in agreement with the authority, and nine have been refused.

Mr. Adams

Does the Minister consider that those figures are satisfactory in view of the situation?

Sir K. Wood

I hesitate to give a judgment, but I think that all the authorities concerned are doing their best. If the hon. Gentleman has any case he would like me to look into, I will gladly do so.