HC Deb 14 June 1945 vol 411 cc1765-7
34. Mr. Pritt

asked the Minister of Health what he will do for the housing of a family, the particulars of which have been communicated to him, where an ex- Serviceman and his pregnant wife and a son of five years sleep and eat in one room, and have to find accommodation for a returned prisoner of war, and another son awaiting an operation, but with no other home to come to when he leaves hospital.

Mr. Willink

I have already brought the case to the notice of the local authority, who will offer the family alternative accommodation as soon as they are in a position to do so.

Mr. Pritt

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this extremely efficient local authority just has not got any accommodation to offer, and does he propose that these people shall sleep in the streets or parks?

Mr. Willink

The amount of accommodation local authorities have to offer is continually increasing, owing to the repair of war damaged houses in the London area.

Mr. Pritt

Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in this particular borough, in which he is occupied and I am occupied, however much the repair work goes on, the long list of bombed-out people and others seeking accommodation prevents these people from getting accommodation for months or years, and would he like to exchange his accommodation for that of people like these?

Mr. Willink

I do not propose to answer the second half of the hon. and learned Gentleman's question. There is no definite line drawn for priority. There are definite powers of requisitioning for both classes of persons, the bombed-out and the inadequately housed.

38. Mr. Pritt

asked the Minister of Health what steps he will take to house a family of seven persons in North Hammersmith, particulars of whom have been given to him, who are at present living in two rooms with one insanitary scullery-kitchen.

Mr. Willink

I am getting into touch with the local authority, who are already aware of the case and will consider the provision of alternative accommodation as soon as suitable property becomes available.

Mr. Pritt

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how many years or months he thinks it will be before such accommodation will become available?

Mr. Willink

I make no promises. I know quite a lot about this family; the children are well looked after, but the regrettable thing is that they came back from the reception area before their parents had proper accommodation for them.

Mr. Pritt

I asked for an estimate. Is the Minister deliberately sacrificing the citizens of London?