23. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what special guidance he has given to local authorities to assist them in dealing with the problems which must inevitably occur while people are living in wartime camps and hutments.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanSince local authorities are experienced in housing management I have not thought it necessary to offer any special guidance. I recognise the problems involved, and I hope that the Working Party on Requisitioned Properties in Use for Housing which I set up will find ways of progressively shutting them down.
Commander MaitlandBut does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is a considerable and growing social problem here because the most unfortunate people and also some rather unpleasant people are concentrated together? Has not the right hon. Gentleman said recently that he is proposing to deal with the slums, and will he not start with these settlements?
§ Mr. MacmillanIt is a serious problem, but I am happy to say that I do not think that it is growing to the extent that the numbers are growing. On the contrary, these people are being withdrawn gradually from the temporary accommodation.
24. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many wartime camps or hutments are still being used by local authorities in England and Wales to house families; and how many people are still living in these camps.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanMy hon. and gallant Friend will find the latest available figures on page 9 of the Quarterly Housing Return for March, 1953. The number of individual persons concerned is not known.