7. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he proposes to introduce legislation to permit local authorities to retain prefabricated houses on public open space for the temporary housing of the homeless.
§ Mr. H. BrookeAs I said in reply to the hon. Member on 24th June, I do not think that such action is needed. In general we want more public open space, not less.
Mrs. ButlerSince the Minister's estimate of the number of homeless families, certainly in Wood Green, differs from that of the local authority, in that he thinks that the problem will he negligible after October and the local authority thinks that a great many families will be involved, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to look at this matter again in six months' time when the position will be clearer, and consider whether action on these lines can be taken then?
§ Mr. BrookeI am afraid that I cannot give that undertaking. In the case which the hon. Lady has in mind, Wood Green Borough Council sought Ministerial approval to keep 56 houses on public open spaces until August, 1960, and that was granted. I really do not believe that they ought to stay there longer.