HC Deb 19 November 1957 vol 578 cc197-8
40. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent reasonable living accommodation in England and Wales now equates with the population; and what is his estimate of the number of new houses still needed.

Mr. H. Brooke

There is not sufficient evidence on which to base a reliable estimate, and I would rather not make guesses.

Captain Pilkington

Is my right hon. Friend aware that as long ago as November, 1953, the right hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) said that we were not very far from the amount of total accommodation which this nation required? If that was true then, can we not assume that it must be very much truer today?

Mr. Brooke

That is certainly one of the significant statements of the right hon. Gentleman.