HC Deb 28 April 1959 vol 604 cc1071-2
14. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs in what areas the need for new houses has been substantially met.

Mr. H. Brooke

Local authorities do not notify me when they are satisfied that the need for new houses in their areas has been met, but the Appendix to the Housing Return presented each quarter to Parliament shows the extent to which individual authorities have been continuing to build.

Mr. Lipton

In the light of that answer, how has the Minister the temerity to come to the House, as he did on 7th April last, and say that in a considerable part of the country the need for new housing is substantially met? Will he stop being evasive about this and not make these statements which are most irritating to the many thousands of people awaiting new houses? Will he please tell us where these earthly paradises exist?

Mr. Brooke

It is common knowledge that as a result of the building programme of the present Government the pressure for new house building, which was almost universal in 1951, has now, except in the difficult areas, substantially lessened.

Mr. Lipton

In view of the completely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.