§ 37. Mr. Thurtleasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the many representations of the Shoreditch Borough Council to his Department regarding the shortage of essential materials for the completion of a block of houses known as the Stonebridge Estate; if he is aware that 1766 work on these houses has been held up for several months owing to the absence of these materials; and if he can now hold out any hope of an early delivery of these supplies.
§ Mr. BevanSince 8th October, when I received full details of the materials required, 37 of the 79 different goods listed have been delivered. Delivery before the end of the month has been promised for all but one of the remaining items.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs my right hon. Friend aware that I was in touch with the borough engineer an hour ago and learned from him that work on these houses is still held up? Is he also aware that Shoreditch has very blitzed and crowded areas, and that the need for houses there is desperate? Is he further aware that my friends in Shoreditch, who formerly thought I was too critical of my right hon. Friend, now think I am not critical enough?
§ Mr. BevanThe hon. Member probably will take an early opportunity of reindulging in this form of avocation, and I shall be interested to reply.
§ Mr. MarplesIn view of the maldistribution of building materials all over the country, as well as in Shoreditch, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the committee he appointed in June, 1946, after the representations from this side made in December, 1945, will report on the matter?
§ Mr. MarplesMaldistribution.
§ Mr. BevanThe shortage of supplies is an expression of the fact that a far larger number of houses are under construction than hon. Members opposite ever expected.