HC Deb 20 November 1951 vol 494 cc204-5
21. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the number of houses unfit for human habitation in Manchester as at 1938; and the number unfit for human habitation as at 1950, or the latest available date.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I regret that the figure for 1938 is not available. I understand that at the present time the Manchester Corporation regard 68,000 as the approximate number of unfit houses in the city.

Mr. Shepherd

As this figure is obviously much in excess of the figure for 1938—[Laughter.] I am not asking this question without some knowledge of the subject. Is my right hon. Friend aware of the danger that now exists of the deterioration in housing all over the country, and will he say what steps he intends to take to remedy the situation?

Mr. Macmillan

I think this unfortunate fact only accentuates the importance of pressing forward with the housing programme.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Will the Minister take that point into consideration when considering the amendment of the Rent Restriction Acts?

Mr. Macmillan

I shall take that and every other relevant point into consideration.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does the Minister agree that the 68,000 houses which are unfit for human habitation are a monument to the criminal treatment of the working classes in Manchester?

Mr. Macmillan

I regret that, like so much other suffering in the world, it is a monument to Hitler, for this great problem was almost in course of solution when the war broke out.