HC Deb 30 November 1939 vol 355 cc233-4
19. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate housing provision is being made for workpeople in the neighbourhood of new factories engaged upon the production of war material?

Mr. Elliot

In my recent circular to local authorities on the subject of housing I specifically mentioned certain classes of houses the provision of which was of importance in the national interest, and gave as one example houses which were necessary for the employés of new factories. Some of the 30,000 houses at present being completed by local authorities will no doubt be occupied by these employés, and I can assure the hon. Member that I will give sympathetic consideration to proposals for the provision of new houses for the purpose. He will, I am sure, appreciate that I am bound, in such consideration, to have regard to the availability of building materials.

Mr. Adams

Is the Minister aware that in many cases long distances are at present being covered?

Mr. Elliot

Yes, Sir. It is for that reason that I have specially instructed the authorities to deal with them in that light.

Sir F. Fremantle

Has my right hon. Friend arranged that in these schemes proper arrangements are made for planning the houses, so that they shall not be put up haphazard, as was the case in the last war?

Mr. Elliot

I shall do my best to see that proper planning is obtained in such cases.