§ 68. Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the progress of re-housing, and particularly with the provision of houses to be let at an all-inclusive rent of not more than 12s. a week; what cities, towns or councils are behind with their schemes; and what are the prospects of houses of the Chamberlain, Greenwood, Kingsley and Mitchell types, as built in Manchester, being built where required?
§ Sir K. WoodThe relation of the present progress made by individual local authorities to their total programme naturally varies with the size of the programme, and I am, in general, well satisfied with the progress which is being made by local authorities with the programmes which they have adopted. Houses at low rentals for the re-housing of those living under unhealthy conditions are being completed at a steady rate of 6,000 a month, and the number of houses already approved by me is equivalent to 90 per cent. of the original slum clearance schemes of local authorities. Blocks of flats of the types referred to in the last part of the question are being provided in the large cities.
§ Mr. SmithIs the Minister aware of the great need for a considerable increase in housing accommodation, particularly in regard to houses to be let at 10s. a week, and of the difficulties of local authorities in providing them; and what steps are to be taken to deal with the matter?
§ Sir K. WoodI think we shall be able to discuss this further in relation to the Bill I introduced yesterday, which makes provison for further assistance for slum clearance and other matters.