HC Deb 24 July 1941 vol 373 cc1032-3
11. Mr. Granville

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made since 1st April with the clearing up, repair and reconstruction of bombed houses and business premises in the London area and provincial towns?

Mr. E. Brown

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the repair of war damage by local authorities. At 1st April all but about 12 per cent, of the repairable houses had received first aid repair in London and the principal provincial towns which had suffered heavy damage. At 17th July, the latest date for which figures are available, there remained about 6 per cent. awaiting repairs. Considerable damage occurred between these dates, and the figures show not only that the arrears had been overtaken but that progress had been made with the repair of the damage occurring during the period. Local authorities are not responsible for the repair of business premises, and I am not aware of any statistics available as to the repair of this class of property by the owners.

Mr. Granville

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask whether he can assure the House that everything is being done during the quiet spell and the fine weather to make the greatest number of houses habitable during the coming winter, both in London and in the provinces?

Mr. Brown

Certainly, and a number are in certain stages of repair.

Mr. Thorne

Does it not depend upon the energy of the local authorities?

Mr. Brown

They are doing very well.