§ 15. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken to implement the Aden Town Planning Ordinance of 1948; and how many houses have been built for manual and professional workers.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe townships of the Fortress and Sheikh Othman have been declared planning areas under the Ordinance, but the preparation of a town planning scheme must await a cadastral survey of the existing development. This requires staff which so far has not been obtainable.
Since 1946, the Government of Aden have built 667 houses for manual workers and 60 houses for professional workers. In addition, a considerable number of houses have been built by private interests for both manual and professional workers, but figures are not available.
§ Mr. RankinIn view of this somewhat scanty performance, especially for professional workers, and in view also of the continued abominable housing conditions in Aden Colony generally, does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is right to proceed with the building of a new Government House costing£45,000?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe thing that is keeping back the plan is the absence of professional staff. The Government of Aden have advertised widely to try to obtain candidates for these posts.