§ 61. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of unoccupied houses and flats in the Metropolitan boroughs of St. Marylebone, Chelsea, Kensington, Paddington and Westminster.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)The figures are 1,341, 302, 1,568, 1,297, 1,564 respectively. Of the 6,072 houses 3,603 are either incapable of repair or not capable of economic repair in our present circumstances. Eight hundred and ninety-eight of them are under requisition, and either in course of repair or conversion plans are being prepared.
§ Mr. SparksWill my right hon. Friend say whether any of these empty premises are fit for use as half-way houses and hostels for homeless families, who at the moment have to be accommodated in public institutions?
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman say, as he is able to give the number of unoccupied houses, why his Department were unable a few weeks ago to give the number of occupied houses?
§ Mr. BevanWith regard to requisitioned houses we are able to give the information, and it is in the monthly return.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanThe right hon. Gentleman's Department said that they could not give me the figures.
§ Mr. BevanI will look into that, but I think the hon. and gallant Member will find that they are in the monthly return.