HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc1125-6
24. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many housing authorities have now submitted their housing programmes in accordance with Circular 37/61; and what proportion of these authorities have informed him that they are unable to reduce their proposed programmes due to acute and pressing housing needs.

Dr. Hill

Seven hundred, of which three have specifically informed me that they are unable to reduce their proposed programme due to acute and pressing housing needs.

Mrs. Butler

In view of the serious housing shortage and the fact that 90 per cent. of our householders cannot afford to buy houses, is it not evident that any curtailment of council-house building is an economy that the nation cannot afford, particularly as the cuts will not be effective for a considerable time and council-house programmes, once disrupted, cannot easily, if at all, be restarted?

Dr. Hill

I dealt in general with the prospects for next year in the housing debate two or three weeks ago, and I have nothing to add to what I said on that occasion.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the private houses now being constructed do not provide accommodation for those most in need? Is he aware that the largest company building private houses in Slough says that 90 per cent. of those buying are not resident in Slough, and do not even work there?

Dr. Hill

Of course I am aware, as I made clear a few weeks ago, of the substantial housing problem which confronts the country, and I have nothing to add to what I said on that occasion.