COLONEL NEWMANasked the Minister of Health (1) how many houses have been acquired by London local authorities of districts to the west of Temple Bar for conversion into flats under the National Housing Act; and is it. intended that these flats shall be let to tenants regardless of whether they can be described as belonging to the working class or not;
(2) whether he is aware of the number of men and women of moderate means, especially in the west and north districts of London, who are desirous of obtaining a flat at a rental of from £70 to £100; and has he been able to ascertain if any local authority has in hand a scheme to meet this want?
§ Dr. ADDISONPerhaps I may be allowed to reply to these questions together. One hundred and seven houses which will provide about 400 flats have been acquired or are in process of acquisition by London local authorities of districts to the west of Temple Bar or the Ministry of Health on their behalf. The choice of tenants for houses acquired or built by local authorities is a matter for the local authorities. The Housing Acts authorise the provision of housing for the working classes only, but the expression "working classes" is not defined, and, as I have repeatedly stated, it should be given a liberal interpretation.