§ 57. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what further information he has in respect of collaboration between local authorities, particularly in the County of Essex, to deal jointly with chronic cases of overcrowding or lack of accommodation in any of their contiguous borough areas; and approximately how many houses are now being built or have been built in the last two years by local authorities in Essex outside their own boundaries.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. Enoch Powell)Negotiations are proceeding satisfactorily for joint housing schemes at Brentwood, Canvey Island, Billericay and Wickford. Authorities of four other areas have discussed schemes 191 with the county council. In the last two years over 900 houses have been completed by borough councils outside their boundaries, and nearly 200 are under construction.
§ Mr. SorensenWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he can indicate what authorities may be pooling their most chronic housing cases? That, surely, is the main point.
§ Mr. PowellAs I indicated, this kind of co-operation is already in force and is on the increase.