HC Deb 05 August 1943 vol 391 cc2429-30
8. Captain Gammans

asked the Minister of Health whether any estimate can be made of the probable shortage of houses at the end of the war; and the estimate of the additional number of houses which will require rebuilding and reconditioning to bring the accommodation up to the accepted Ministry of Health standards?

Miss Horsbrugh

The total estimate made by the Ministry of the number of houses likely to be required during the ten years after the war is 3,000,000 to 4,000,000. Of this, the larger portion, 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 will be needed to replace slums or houses in a poor condition, or houses which are grossly deficient in modern amenities.

Captain Gammans

How many new houses are likely to be required in that period as opposed to houses needing reconditioning?

Miss Horsbrugh

I have said that the estimate is that out of that number from 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 will be needed to replace slums or houses in poor condition or houses grossly deficient in modern amenities.

Mr. Thorne

Is the hon. Lady aware that 30,000 of those houses will be wanted in West Ham?

Mr. Sorensen

How many will be required to replace houses demolished or damaged by bombing?

Miss Horsbrugh

I could not give the exact number without notice.

Mr. McGovern

Has the Minister considered taking a survey in each area Of the number of people who have no houses in order to get a proper estimate of the need?

Miss Horsbrugh

Surveys have been made, but no housing estimates made for 10 years ahead can be absolutely exact. We think, however, that for England and Wales a figure of 3,000,000 or 4,000,000 in the 10 years is the best estimate we can give at the moment.

Mr. McGovern

My question was whether any attempt had been made by local authorities to get the names of the people who have no houses in order that there can be a proper estimate instead of a supposition.

Miss Horsbrugh

I am afraid that that would not be a proper survey, because so many people are away from the parts of the country to which they wish to return afterwards. Some areas are very over-crowded, and others are not.