HC Deb 28 September 1944 vol 403 cc426-8W
Mr. Martin

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the present organisation of the available building resources for war damage in London is making the fullest use of man-power and technical skill and is calculated to give the quickest results in providing and maintaining shelter during the coming winter.

Mr. Willink

No, Sir. The matter is, however, being considered this week at conferences with the local authorities and other bodies concerned, held by Sir Malcolm Trustram Eve, who has been appointed by my Noble Friend the Minister of Reconstruction, at the invitation of the Minister of Works and myself and with the concurrence of the Minister of Labour and National Service, to concert the activities of all the various agencies, both Government Departments and local authorities. Sir Malcolm has already made certain important recommendations, on which provisional decisions have been taken, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government fully share his view of the need for speedy action. All practicable measures will be taken to this end and, if my hon. Friend would care to put down another question next week, I hope to be able to give him further information.

Mr. W. J. Edwards

asked the Minister of Health the estimated cost of the huts proposed to be erected to meet the urgent housing shortage in the London area; for what period it is proposed to use these huts; and how the amenities to be provided compare with those of the Portal house.

Mr. Willink

The cost of the two types of hut under consideration for this purpose is about £100 on the average (exclusive of erection and equipment). The period of use will naturally depend on circumstances, but it is hoped that it will be quite short. The proposed equipment will have to be limited to essentials, and there is no comparison with the amenities of the emergency factory-made bungalow.

Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health if he has any estimate of the number of people in the London area rendered homeless by bombing; how many of these are now sleeping in rest centres or other similar accommodation;- and, in view of the hardship endured by many, what further plans he has for providing immediately sufficient shelter for the homeless.

Mr. Willink

It is impossible to form reliable estimates of the numbers of per- sons made homeless by bombing, but since the beginning of enemy attacks on London approximately 700,000 homeless persons have been billeted or rehoused by the authorities, rather more than 100,000 of these during the flying bomb attacks. At the present time there are about 400 persons accommodated in Rest Centres in the London Region. As to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to a question to-day by my hon. Friend, the Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Martin).