HC Deb 03 August 1944 vol 402 c1575
14. Mr. Guy

asked the Minister of Health whether, in order to rehouse families rendered homeless by recent enemy action, he will consider the immediate erection of Nissen and Army huts on suitable places, in the borough of which he has been informed.

Mr. Willink

It would, in my view, be impracticable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion as it is imperative to use all available labour and materials in reinstating damaged houses; and other means can be found for rehousing homeless families.

Mr. Guy

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that every day the position is getting worse and that if the Government do not make up their minds quickly there is going to be trouble? Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that people have been cooking their dinners outside the street shelters? If that is not sufficient to wake up the Minister then, may I say, the right hon. and learned Gentleman will be responsible for what will happen?

Mr. Willink

My hon. Friend can be assured that I am as fully aware of the difficulties as he is.

Mr. Guy

Then do something.

Mr. Willink

The question he has put to me is whether certain temporary buildings should be erected. I am satisfied, after inquiry, that it would not be as good a use of the available labour and materials as the repairing of damaged houses. The Prime Minister informed the House yesterday that more than 600,000 houses damaged in this attack had already been made habitable.

Mr. Sorensen

Is not the Minister aware that huts are not being used in some areas? Could not some of them be made habitable and suitable for accommodation?

Mr. Willink

That is the question which I have already answered.