§ Mr. Mahonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the estimated total number of unfit houses in 141W England, Scotland and Wales; how many unfit houses were estimated to be demolished within the first five-year period; how many of this number have been demolished to date; and the estimated number for demolition up to 31st December, 1958.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe returns submitted by local authorities under Section 1 of the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, gave an estimated total of 847,000 unfit houses in England and Wales. Of these, 375,500 were to be demolished or closed within the first five-year period, 1956 to 1960. Between 1st January, 1956, and 30th September, 1957, 66,670 unfit houses were demolished or closed. The returns did not call for annual programmes, and I cannot therefore give an estimate for 1958. My responsibilities do not extend to Scotland.