HC Deb 28 July 1938 vol 338 cc3292-3
54. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Health the latest figures in the possession of his Department showing the numbers of the population of Great Britain still living in slum habitations, the number of houses that have been abolished under the slum clearance schemes in the last five years, and how many persons formerly living under slum conditions have been rehoused?

Mr. Elliot

The slum clearance programme of local authorities in England and Wales will result when completed in the rehousing of some 2,000,000 persons from unfit houses. About 1,000,000 of these have already been rehoused. The number of unfit houses demolished under slum clearance schemes during the last five years is about 200,000. As regards Scotland, the hon. Member will doubtless address a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Day

How does the Minister reconcile the fact of very large numbers of people still having to remain in slum habitations with the promises made by Government candidates at the last two elections?

Mr. Elliot

The progress has been remarkable.