§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any representations from the Croydon Borough Council with reference to the housing scheme of the London County Council at Norbary, where the foundations are already being laid; whether he is aware that the scheme provides twenty-seven houses to the acre; that over 90 per cent of the houses will have two bedrooms only; that the floor area of many of the bedrooms will be less than the desirable standard or the standard laid down by the Ministry for the occupation by two persons; that the floor area of many of the living rooms will be below the standard laid down by the Ministry; and that the angle houses will have disadvantages similar to those found in back-to-back houses, namely, inadequate ventilation; and whether, in view of the fact that the scheme is very much inferior to the standard recognised by the Croydon Council, he will take immediate, steps to secure its reconsideration?
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§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any representations from the Croydon Borough Council with reference to the housing scheme of the London County Council at Norbury, where the foundations are already being laid; whether he is aware that the scheme provides for twenty-seven houses to the acre, that over 90 per cent of the houses will have two bedrooms only; that the floor area of many of the bedrooms will he less than the desirable standard or the standard laid down by the Ministry for occupation by two persons; that the floor area of many of the living rooms will be below the standard laid down by the Ministry; and that the angle houses will have disadvantages similar to those found in back-to-hack houses, namely, inadequate ventilation; and whether, in view of the fact that the scheme is very much inferior to the standard recognised by the Croydon Borough Council, he will take immediate steps to secure its reconsideration?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have been asked to answer these questions: I have received the representations in question. The London County Council's housing scheme at Norbury is for the extension of an estate upon which work was commenced before the War, when the streets and sewers of the whole estate were laid out. In view of the urgent need of houses and the fact that any extensive modification of the plans would have caused considerable delay, I decided, though reluctantly, to allow the scheme to continue according to the plans originally prepared, and work has been commenced on the scheme. I understand that the houses, though small, are conveniently planned, and that there is a considerable local demand for such houses. It has been made clear to the London County Council that plans for any new schemes must conform with present standards.