HC Deb 22 March 1960 vol 620 cc237-8
52. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the serious accidents from scalding, arising through heating water on the fire in old houses lacking baths and hot-water systems; and how many years he estimates it will take to provide a house with a bath for every family.

Mr. H. Brooke

I am extremely anxious to see a proper bath and hot water supply in every house, not simply to prevent accidents but to make better homes. Improvement grants are available to help owners meet the cost of the necessary work. I hope that they will be freely used. How long it will take to provide every worthwhile house with the facilities depends on the rate of response by owners and tenants.

Mr. Allaun

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that last week one of his chief officers stated that some local authorities will need forty years to clear their slums? That is not to mention the far larger number of houses without baths. Is that statement correct? If so, will the right hon. Gentleman do something to speed up the work?

Mr. Brooke

That supplementary question does not bear on the subject of the hon. Member's original Question. If he would care to put down another Question, I will give him an answer.

53. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs the total number of persons, approximately, in England, Wales and Scotland now living in homes without a bath.

Mr. H. Brooke

I cannot add to the information which I gave the hon. Member in reply to a similar Question on 15th December last.

Mr. Allaun

In view of that Question and Answer, will the Minister admit that the total, including Scotland, is roughly 5 million houses without baths, or 15 million people or one-third of the total population? Does the Minister understand the trials of a working-class mother trying to bring up her children healthily and properly in houses like that?

Mr. Brooke

I can answer for England and Wales only. As I told the hon. Member, I estimate the figure to be between 3 and 4 million houses, a figure which I am anxious to see reduced as rapidly as possible.