§ 29. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that of the 53,341 families on the category A housing list of the London County Council, only 1,000 can expect to be housed this year; and whether, in these circumstances, he will make a special grant to increase the provision of further accommodation.
§ Mr. SandysI am well aware of the housing difficulties in London. I understand that this year the L.C.C. expects to have over 8,000 houses to offer to families on its housing lists. A high proportion of these will be families from slum houses which are being demolished.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Minister aware that, allowing for slum clearance developments, where people have to be rehoused, only 1,000 applicants in the most urgent category will be rehoused this year? Is he not appalled by the fact that, as a result of the Government policy, so many thousands of people in London are for ever denied the hope of being rehoused except in their coffins? Has the Minister no conscience in the matter at all?
§ Mr. SandysThe fact that the L.C.C. has decided to give a higher priority to slum clearance is a very good thing indeed. It shows that the policy behind the Housing Subsidies Act, 1956, is now beginning to work and have its effect. As I have said before, we on this side of the 255 House, at any rate, think that it is only fair that families living in slum conditions should now begin to get a rather bigger share of the new houses which are being built.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.