HC Deb 31 March 1949 vol 463 c1439
24. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory condition of many houses in Leicester which are still being occupied, although condemned before the war as being unfit for human habitation; and whether he will encourage the erection of houses on the adjoining sites and on the sites of those condemned houses if they are demolished.

Mr. Bevan

Yes, Sir. The local authority propose to redevelop the areas, building new houses on the sites when cleared, as circumstances permit.

Mr. Janner

Will my right hon. Friend do what he can to remedy this matter as speedily as possible, because in Leicester itself people in one of these houses are being told that the condition of the house is such that they cannot get sanitary certificates to enable them to obtain a reduction in their rents for want of repair? Is he aware that the house is condemned, and yet, at the same time, they have nowhere else to go?

Mr. Bevan

In connection with representations from the City of Leicester, I would say that the only limitation on the plans of that local authority, as with every other authority in the country, is the number of building workers available, and I have not heard that there are any unemployed building workers in Leicester.

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