§ 39. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Minister of Works if he will make a statement on the rate of restoration of houses injured by enemy action in the West Midlands Region; if shortage of manpower has retarded progress; and if adequate supply of building materials is available.
§ Mr. SandysAll war damaged houses in the West Midlands region which were capable of repair received emergency repairs within a few months of the incidents. In 119,000 cases further work was necessary. All but 500 of these are now completed. In common with all other parts of the country the rate of progress in this area has necessarily been affected by the general man-power shortage. Supplies of essential building materials are adequate for the work in hand.
§ Sir P. HannonWould my right hon. Friend tell the House how he is arranging to co-ordinate the activities of the various Ministries concerned with the restoration of houses; and have not the local authority and the people affected to satisfy a whole series of Ministries before they can get satisfaction as to what work is to be done?
§ Mr. SandysNo, Sir, that is not correct.