§ 42. Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Health to what extent, in allocating housing programmes to local authorities, he is guided by the number of persons registered with individual local authorities as being in need of housing accommodation.
§ Mr. BevanAllocations made to local authorities by my principal regional officers under standing administrative procedure are determined in the light of the current evidence available as to relative housing needs and building progress. As regards the inferences to be drawn from local authority lists of applicants, I 541 would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 9th March, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. PrescottWhile awaiting that statement, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that almost throughout the whole country these waiting lists for houses are increasing rapidly, week by week and month by month? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, too, what steps he proposes to take to solve the housing problem before the next election, as he could not solve it before the last election?
§ Mr. BevanThe housing lists in the country are not increasing month by month. That statement is incorrect.