§ 24. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Health whether, in districts where overcrowding is acute, he will advise local authorities to release for occupation houses now held empty for emergency use.
§ Mr. WillinkI am afraid we have not yet reached the stage at which all accommodation reserved for the homeless could be released. It is a question of balancing the immediate needs of families unsatisfactorily housed against the potential needs of the homeless in the light of possible emergencies. The risk of attack is, of course, greater in some areas than in others, and, if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I will certainly consider whether any further releases could be made.
§ Mr. LipsonCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether these houses are kept constantly under review, and whether it is considered that some of them could be released in certain areas?
§ Mr. WillinkThe matter is kept under constant review.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that, in many areas, there is accommodation over shops which is quite empty or used for packing cases, and could he not make inquiries in that direction?
§ Mr. WillinkI know from my own experience in earlier years about that type of accommodation. It has been considered.
§ Sir J. MellorDoes the Minister realise how annoying it is to those who are enduring the discomfort of overcrowded lodgings to see houses standing empty?
§ Mr. WillinkI fully appreciate that, but the embarrassment in the case of an emergency, for those who are bombed out, would cause even greater distress.
§ Mr. W. ThorneIs the Minister aware that there are many houses for sale, but none for letting?