HC Deb 20 March 1947 vol 435 cc576-7
31. Mr. Marples

asked the Minister of Health whether his estimate to build 240,000 permanent houses in 1947 still holds good; or whether he will be issuing a revised estimate.

Mr. J. Edwards

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 13th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Mr. Sparks), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Marples

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that at this period the nation should be given some overall figure of the houses which the Minister thinks he can produce, in view of the recent crisis?

Mr. Edwards

It is far too soon to attempt to form any such estimate.

Mr. Jennings

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that local authorities all over the country have been told to cut down their estimates very largely? Is it not time that we got some idea of the Government's intentions with regard to the housing position?