HC Deb 04 December 1951 vol 494 cc2219-20
39. Mr. G. H. R. Rogers

asked the Minister of Works the number of housing schemes whose completion is prevented because the sites are obstructed by public houses that require to be demolished and re-erected on new sites.

Mr. Eccles

I am aware of four cases where the completion of a housing scheme depends on the demolition of a public house, and the local authority is not prepared to proceed with demolition until a building licence can ge given to erect a new public house elsewhere.

Mr. Rogers

In view of the fact that the number is so small, will not the Minister look again at the request of the Kensington Borough Council to pull down the Kenilworth Castle to be erected elsewhere in order that 18 houses which are at present planned may proceed to be built?

Mr. Eccles

I think the hon. Gentleman has got the housing problem wrong. The fact is we cannot afford to pull down a public house and erect it again elsewhere at a cost of £15,000. It would be far better to build more houses, and if the hon. Member could persuade the local authority to arrange its housing scheme so that new houses could be erected without the demolition of an existing public house and its re-erection elsewhere, we should get more houses quicker.

Mr. Rogers

Does not the Minister realise that in crowded areas in London the councils are forced to use what sites are available, and in this case there is no alternative?

Mr. James Hudson

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is no need at all to put a public house up again when it has been demolished? Is he not aware that the party opposite is committed by its legislation of many years past to the considerable removal of redundant public houses in this country at the present time?

Mr. Eccles

I think it may well be that a public house is needed at this place. All I am asking is that in view of the great shortage of houses local authorities should make their plans fit in with an existing building rather than have it torn down and then ask me to put up another one.

Mr. Rogers

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I am afraid I must raise this matter on the Adjournment.