HC Deb 20 April 1970 vol 800 c9
14. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what further discussions he has had with Newport Corporation concerning its house-building programme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Thomas

The council has informed me that it aims to get some 650 new dwellings to approval stage within the next year or so.

I welcome this and have expressed the hope that the council will accelerate the planning of some of the schemes.

Mr. Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend recall that on 19th January in this House the housing record of this Conservative-controlled authority was described as "pitiful"? Does he appreciate that even old-age pensioners have a two-year waiting list for a flatlet? Is it not time that he told this authority to get on with it?

Mr. Thomas

I am informed that the waiting list for housing applicants in Newport contains 1,825 families. [HON. MEMBERS: "Shame!"] During 1968 and 1969 only 34 dwellings were approved. The Newport Council knows my views—that it needs to accelerate its programme to meet the needs of its people.