§ 18. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to requisition large unoccupied houses and blocks of flats in West London for conversion into hostels and halfway houses for families made homeless by court orders and notices to quit and who, at the present time, are either accommodated in public assistance institutions, or dispersed amongst already overcrowded relatives and friends.
§ Mr. BevanLocal authorities are already doing this. They have adequate powers, and know my desire that they should press on with the work.
§ Mr. SparksIs the Minister aware of the continued distress throughout the whole of greater London as a result of families being evicted and that these families are being told by local authorities that there is no hope whatever of 664 their being accommodated, which is causing very great distress? Will he give an assurance that his Department will place the maximum facilities at the disposal of local authorities to set up additional halfway houses and hostels for these evicted tenants?
§ Mr. BevanWe are encouraging local authorities to do so in every case which is brought to our notice. Hon. Members know that in London there is a very great difficulty about the conversion of large buildings inhabited by families, which makes great inroads into materials and labour. I am deeply conscious of the difficulties of housing in London, which, indeed, exceed those of any other part of the country.