Bombed-out Families, London (Accommodation)

HC Deb 26 October 1944 vol 404 c337

32. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health how many houses in the London region are now being kept empty to accommodate persons who may be bombed out.

Mr. Willink

None, Sir. There is not at present enough suitable accommodation available to provide for all the families that have been rendered homeless. As properties are repaired and become available they are offered to these families.

Mr. Driberg

Does that answer imply that the Minister's policy on this matter has now been changed in other regions besides London?

Mr. Willink

It implies that, so far as London is concerned, the immediate needs are so great that it would be wrong, in my view, to keep habitable dwellings available in reserve for future bombing.