§ 26. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the overcrowded and squalid conditions in which large numbers of people in Jamaica have to live, especially in Western Kingston, Port Royal and Spanish Town; if he can estimate approximately how many new houses will be needed to rehouse satisfactorily the bulk of these slum-dwellers, taking into account the rapid increase of population; how many new houses have been completed since 1944 by the Central Housing Authority; and how many are under construction.
Mr. Creech JonesHousing conditions in most of the principal towns of Jamaica are unsatisfactory. Approximately 8,000 new houses are required in West Kingston and Port Royal and 1,750 in Spanish Town to re-house the present population. Since 1944 the Central Housing Authority has completed 133 tenements, five barracks (for temporary housing) and 535 cottages. Thirty-five tenements and 121 cottages are under construction. The Authority has also completed 6,057 cottages under the hurricane rehabilitation scheme and has 741 under construction.
§ Mr. DribergCan my right hon. Friend say whether there are any financial difficulties in the way of more extensive housing schemes?
§ Mr. John LewisWould my right hon. Friend say why it is that the scheme is so totally inadequate having regard to the numbers that are needed?