HC Deb 21 April 1964 vol 693 cc1067-8
19. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many houses he estimates are now occupied by Commonwealth immigrants; what percentage is slum property; how many have been rehoused in new council houses; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

I regret that I do not have the information.

Sir C. Osborne

May I ask two questions? In view of the fact that in recent weeks there have been three disastrous fires in overcrowded tenement dwellings where Commonwealth immigrants have lost their lives, will my right hon. Friend look at the possibility of having outside fire escapes provided in such tenements? Secondly, in view of the enormous problems which are being created, would he not consider it advisable to prohibit all such immigration to this country for the next five years until these problems are settled?

Sir K. Joseph

These problems of overcrowding are a by-product of a housing shortage which we are overtaking as quickly as we can. As for the fire risks, both the 1961 Housing Act and the present Housing Bill which is being discussed give power, which I hope will be used, to local authorities to require fire escapes to be provided in multi-occupied property.

Sir C. Osborne

It is not so much a question of giving local authorities power to provide these things. Will my right hon. Friend see that local authorities have to provide them in view of the risk which arises from fire in these very overcrowded tenement dwellings?

Sir K. Joseph

I have no evidence that local authorities with a lot of multi-occupied property are not using, or trying to use, their powers as much as they can. If my hon. Friend, or any hon. Member, has evidence that a local authority is not using its powers, I shall be glad to receive information about it.