§ 39. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health how many two-year prefabricated or nissen huts have now been relinquished by his Department, and how many remain; to what extent they have deteriorated and are becoming uninhabitable; what grant is made to enable local authorities to deal with deterioration; and, in view of the continuing need, what 554 steps he has taken to ensure that these temporary dwellings shall not be closed or relinquished for some time to come.
§ Mr. BevanNine hundred and twenty-four huts have been given up and 4,465 remain in use; the majority of those still in use are in good condition; where repairs are necessary I am prepared to approve reasonable expenditure, which is borne in full by the Exchequer; demolition requires my consent, which is given only if the local authority can rehouse the tenants and the site is required for housing or some other urgent purpose, or repair is not practicable at reasonable expenses.