§ 20. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health how many hutments and what types are being or will be erected on sites whose vicinity has been conveyed to him; how many persons these will accommodate; whether these hutments are available only to those who lived in adjacent areas; and what arrangements have been made respecting the ultimate restoration of amenities.
§ Mr. WillinkIt is proposed to erect on the site to which my hon. Friend refers, 100 hutments of the curved asbestos type which will accommodate about 300 people. They will be offered in the first place to people who have been made homeless in 931 the area of the local authority concerned but any surplus will be offered to homeless people from other areas. The intention is that the land shall ultimately be restored to its former use.
§ Mr. SorensenWhen is that restoration likely to take place? Further, is the Minister aware that the 100 huts proposed are quite inadequate for the tremendous need that exists in the area? Can he say whether a much wider area will be taken over for that purpose?
§ Mr. WillinkWe are aware of the need, as my hon. Friend I am sure appreciates, but this way of dealing with the matter, the provision of emergency huts, is not one that we want to extend too far.
§ Mr. SorensenWhile I agree that the huts are horrible constructions, nevertheless, are they not very necessary at this time?
§ Mr. WillinkThe best way we can use our labour at present is in the repair of damaged houses.