HC Deb 20 October 1953 vol 518 cc1783-4
4. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in considering the imposition of limits on the housebuilding programmes of local authorities, he will take special account of the needs of areas affected by mining subsidence and give priority to these areas.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Yes, Sir. I try to take account of all relevant factors. Meanwhile, progress has been very substantial in the last two years.

Mr. Swingler

May I take it from that answer that the Minister will now approve the contracts in Newcastle-under-Lyme which he recently rejected on the ground of the arbitrary limit put on the number of houses under construction?

Mr. Macmillan

I do not think that the story of Newcastle-under-Lyme is too bad. In 1951, 235 houses were completed; in 1952, 307; in 1953 so far 372, and I feel confident that it will reach about 530. That will leave 620 uncompleted, so that next year the completions must be at least 600 and I trust that they may be even more.

Mr. Swingler

Although I recognise that the Labour-controlled council in Newcastle-under-Lyme have done very well, why should the Minister impose a limitation upon them when there is labour and materials available to enable them to do even better?

Mr. Macmillan

The figures are the answer.

Hon. Members

No.