HC Deb 16 December 1969 vol 793 cc1117-8
30. Mr. Berry

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent the number of housing completions for 1969 and 1970 now planned necessitates revision of the estimated overall housing surplus by 1973.

Mr. Denis Howell

Not at all, Sir; but a high rate of new building and improvement will remain of the greatest importance.

Mr. Berry

Is the Minister satisfied that giving the impression of an overall surplus in 1973 was fair in view of his recent words about acute shortage in some areas? Does he include the nearly 2 million condemned houses in that figure? Will he look at the matter again?

Mr. Howell

The report of the Ministry of Housing refers to the number of houses in relation to the number of households. It was a purely statistical fact and it was related to home ownership. If we had tried to suppress such a piece of information, we would have been subjected to public criticism. The figure has to be regarded in the light of all the circumstances. However, I agree with the hon. Gentleman that this piece of information is irrelevant in terms of slum clearance, the homeless and over-crowding.

Mr. Heffer

Is my hon. Friend aware that Liverpool City Council has said that there will be, or could be, a surplus of tenancies by 1972? Is he aware that that figure has been reached by cutting down the slum clearance programme and using the Government's excellent 1969 Act as an excuse for doing so? Will he indicate to the council that it must continue to build council houses while there is a great need for them in that area?

Mr. Howell

I well understand the reason for that supplementary question. We are disturbed by some of the talk which emanates from Merseyside, although the picture seems to be confused. The Government regard Merseyside as one of the most congested areas in the country and a sustained local authority housing programme is required for as long ahead as we can see.

Mr. Peter Walker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the whole purpose of the Government's Act and the whole excuse for the drop in house building is that there should be a bigger movement towards improving old houses? The hon. Gentleman must not try to condemn cities with large stocks of old houses which are rather ahead, particularly Liverpool, in helping to improve old houses.

Mr. Howell

That was an astonishing comment. The Government have said that we need every piece of energy we can put into building local authority houses and that in addition the time has now come for a sustained attack by improvement on the next generation of slum houses. The two things go hand in hand.