HC Deb 01 February 1939 vol 343 cc198-9
34. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give favourable consideration to relieving local authorities of their statutory obligation to build houses to replace those demolished under slum-clearance schemes and overcrowding in districts where the percentage of houses of the appropriate type is in excess of 5 per cent. of the total?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

My right hon. Friend is not clear precisely what my hon. Friend has in mind, but he does not think there is any sufficient reason for altering the existing practice in this matter.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Is my hon. Friend aware that local authorities are building houses under slum-clearance and over- crowding schemes which are quite unnecessary by reason of the fact that there already exist large numbers of empty houses in the districts in question?

Mr. Bernays

No, Sir, I am not aware of that. My right hon. Friend, of course, considered the question on its merits. If my hon. Friend has any case in mind that he would like me to investigate, I shall be glad to do so.

Mr. Thorne

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are very few empty houses for letting, but any number of empty houses for sale?