HC Deb 23 March 1950 vol 472 cc2145-6
11. Mr. Alport

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the standard of accommodation of the Service hutments now used by civilian families around Colchester; and what action he intends to take to assist in securing decent homes for the families concerned, promised to them at various intervals during the last five years.

Mr. Bevan

The general standard of accommodation in these hutments is as good as can be provided in such buildings. But in two groups where there have been complaints of condensation, the local authorities are doing all they can to remedy it. The continued use of this type of accommodation must clearly depend on housing progress in the particular area.

Major Tufton Beamish

To what extent does the Minister think that people who are living in such shocking conditions—for example, in Rushey Hill Camp, in my constituency—are comforted by the knowledge that the huts in which they live are described as "new homes" in his party's propaganda?

Mr. Bevan

The hon. and gallant Member is entirely inaccurate. The housing figures of new accommodation do not include hutments or Service camps.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

Can the Minister give an assurance that there will be no, housing problem by the time the next General Election takes place?

Mr. Bevan

The Opposition can rest content that we will never again accept any Conservative figures about housing