HC Deb 31 January 1961 vol 633 cc766-7
6. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many prefabricated houses are still occupied; how many have been withdrawn from use; and whether those remaining occupied are expected to be habitable until alternative housing accommodation is available.

Mr. Brooke

There are 109,792 temporary bungalows still in use; 14,663 have been withdrawn from use. To provide sufficient accommodation to rehouse the occupants before the temporary bungalows become unfit for habitation will be well within the capacity of all the 450 local authorities concerned.

Sir B. Janner

Is not the right hon. Gentleman speaking without the book? Is he aware that the maximum period of life for these prefabricated houses is long passed? Is not the fact that so many people are still compelled to live in houses which are condemned an indication that his housing policy is entirely inefficient?

Mr. Brooke

It is entirely a matter for the local authority concerned. If one of these bungalows is unfit for human habitation the local authority can claim a slum clearance subsidy on rehousing the occupants.