§ 83. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the resolution from Leigh Town Council asking that the expenditure on public assistance at present borne by local authorities should be met by the National Exchequer; and what reply is being given to it?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)In 1931 there were in Birmingham some 40,000 back-to-back houses, all but 281 in private ownership. By 1938 these had been reduced to 33,500 of which 264 were owned by the corporation. 8,588 of those in private ownership and 155 of the corporation's back-to-back houses have so far been included in clearance areas.
§ Mr. ThorneCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us how the people who own these houses are to have air-raid shelters?
§ Mr. ElliotThat is a question which relates to another Department.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIs there not a Conservative Council in Birmingham?