HC Deb 15 July 1958 vol 591 cc995-6
30. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many houses were out to contract but not started, and how many were under construction, for the corporation of Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 31st May, 1958; what statement of housing needs has been submitted to him by the corporation; and whether he is satisfied that the rate of building in the past twelve months is adequate to meet this demand within a reasonable period of time.

Mr. H. Brooke

In answer to the first part of the Question, the Corporation had 587 dwellings under construction at 31st May, 1958, and 257 dwellings in contracts approved by my Department but not yet started.

In answer to the second part, no submission has been made to me by the Corporation about the total housing needs of their area. The third part therefore does not arise.

Mr. Short

Is the Minister aware that the waiting list in Newcastle now approaches the 15,000 mark? Does not he agree that this rate of building is quite inadequate to house these people in any reasonable time? Will he do all in his power to co-operate with the local authority to see that these people have at least a reasonable prospect of getting housed?

Mr. Brooke

I always do all in my power to co-operate. In this case I have agreed that the local authority can start 900 houses this year.

31. Mr. Popplewell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many men were employed on the house building programme of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Corporation on 31st May, 1957, and 31st May, 1958; and whether he is satisfied that this number is adequate to satisfy the demand for houses in the area within a reasonable time.

Mr. H. Brooke

The information sought in the Question is not in my possession, but the hon. Member may be able to obtain it from the Corporation.

Mr. Popplewell

Will the Minister reconsider this matter? Does he agree that the fact that there are thousands of people waiting for a house is an indication that the Minister should consider whether the building force now used for housing construction is sufficient to meet the needs in a reasonable time? Surely it is his responsibility to go into the matter.

Mr. Brooke

It is the responsibility of the local authority to decide how many people it employs. As I have just said, I have agreed that the local authority shall have an allocation of 900 dwellings for 1958. I think that that should keep it busy.

Mr. R. W. Elliott

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the City of Newcastle where, unfortunately, many people are still living in property which is in an advanced state of decay, people are greatly encouraged by the high rate of building in recent years, which has made slum clearance possible once again? Will he guarantee that the maximum encouragement and assistance will be given to the slum clearance drive in the City of Newcastle?

Mr. Brooke

I am extremely anxious that slum clearance should be pressed forward everywhere. I indicated a programme with which I think the Corporation can go forward this year.

Mr. Short

In view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.