66. Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Minister of Health the latest figures of housing construction in 1939 and the progress of slum-clearance and the relief of overcrowding; and whether any noticeable effect of these activities as a result of rearmament work has been recorded by his Department, and, if so, of what nature?
§ Mr. ElliotUp to 31st July, 1939, the total number of houses erected in England and Wales since 1st January, 1919, was 4,023,207. Of this number, 290,082 had been provided under the Housing Acts for the purpose of slum clearance and 27,279 for the abatement of overcrowding. At the same date a further 47,882 houses were under construction under the Housing Acts.
§ Sir P. HarrisWould the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to arrange that housebuilding shall not be completely paralysed, as it was in the last war, with the inevitable housing shortage to follow?
§ Mr. ElliotThat is a matter which depends on the supply of materials and labour