HC Deb 10 September 1942 vol 383 cc287-8
40. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Health what preparations are being made by home and overseas contracts and otherwise for prefabricated houses and other means to satisfy the new housing needs of the population as soon as hostilities cease?

Miss Horsbrugh

My right hon. Friend has not placed any contracts for the supply of materials for post-war housing, but my hon. Friend may be assured that he is actively considering the action which can best be taken and the methods which can best be adopted to meet the housing needs of the country as soon as circumstances permit a resumption of house building; and the particular aspects to which my hon. Friend refers are being taken into account as part of the general examination of the question.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the hon. Lady aware that in some districts the housing shortage is already very acute and that numbers of people simply cannot find the accommodation they urgently need?

Miss Horsbrugh

I quite agree with my hon. Friend about the difficulties, but I think he will see that it is not possible at the present time, and in the present state of the war, to use labour and materials for a real drive for more houses for the people.