§ 45. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many four- and five-bedroomed houses were built in 1953; and how this compares with 1951.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Ernest Marples)In 1953, 4,211 dwellings with four bedrooms and 36 dwellings with five or more bedrooms were completed. The figures for 1951 were 4,295 and 69, respectively. These figures apply only to houses built by local authorities and new town corporations.
§ Mr. DoddsBut how does the hon. Gentleman explain that there were less in 1953 than in 1951 when "The Right Road for Britain" specified that his party would build more four- and five-bedroomed houses for large families? They have not been built through the local councils or in the new towns.
§ Mr. MarplesThere is hardly any difference in the figures as between 1951 and 1953. All the evidence now shows that the size of the family is decreasing, and surely it is the correct policy to see that the number of rooms in a house corresponds with the number of people in the family?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCould the hon. Gentleman explain if that document "The Right Road for Britain" has been paid for by the same British intelligencers?