§ 39. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Minister of Health if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the number of obsolescent, insanitary and overcrowded dwelling-houses in the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil, with a view to appropriate steps being taken for the early re-housing of the people who are at present compelled to occupy them.
§ Mr. BevanNo, Sir. For the reasons indicated in the statement on the housing programme in the Housing Return for 31st May, 1948, the stage has not yet been reached when such an inquiry could usefully be made.
§ Mr. DaviesWill my right hon. Friend reconsider the mistaken decision he has come to; is he not aware that the overwhelming proportion of dwellinghouses now inhabited in Merthyr Tydfil and Dowlais were built 100–175 years ago; and does he not think that a burden of that kind on any local authority merits special consideration on the part of his, I hope, very progressive Ministry?
§ Mr. BevanThe local authorities have already been asked to screen their waiting lists for houses. When we have the replies we shall know what additional accommodation is needed. After that job has been done they can start on slum clearance.