§ 51. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many sub-standard houses are in occupation in the country; and how long it will take to replace them at the present speed of building, having regard to the number of dwelling-houses falling into this category annually.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIn 1955 it was estimated that there were about 875,000 unfit houses in England and Wales. By the end of this year about 200,000 of them will have been demolished or closed. About 60,000 houses are being dealt with each year, which means that in ten years' time all slums should have been cleared, save in the most difficult areas. Henceforward the number of houses falling into the unfit category year by year is likely to be small, owing to the combined effect of the Rent Act and the improvement grants scheme.