HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 c568
79. Mr. MacLaren

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government will initiate schemes for rehousing miners and mineworkers in those districts in which they are now living in unhealthy and depressing conditions?

Miss Horsbrugh

Owing to the demands on building labour and materials for urgent war purposes including the repair of war damage, my right hon. Friend regrets that it is not possible to initiate rehousing schemes at the present time. He is, however, watching the position closely, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the needs of mine workers, in common with those of other classes of the population, will be met as soon as conditions permit.

Mr. MacLaren

In view of the excellent provision which is being made for those working in munition factories, may I ask whether not merely the Minister of Health but the Government themselves will see that miners, who are basic to all the industries of the country, shall be housed in a manner commensurate with the requirements?

Miss Horsbrugh

My right hon. Friend is aware that that is necessary for miners and other essential workers and for the population as a whole. It is merely a matter of labour and materials.

Mr. MacLaren

Did not the representative of the Ministry of Works and Buildings assure us last Thursday that the building industry had men on hand?