§ Major PRESCOTTasked the Minister of Health the estimated shortage of dwelling-houses within the metropolitan police area; the number of new houses recently completed and occupied within this area; whether he can give any explanation for the slow progress of many of these housing schemes; and what steps are being taken to ensure the more speedy erection of further houses?
§ Dr. ADDISONIn the special circumstances of the metropolitan and surrounding area, it is difficult to form an accurate estimate; according to the Survey, the estimated number of houses required up to the present in the metropolitan police district (apart from houses required to replace slum clearances) was about 70,000, but this is probably an overstatement. Up to the beginning of this month, over 5,000 houses and flats had been provided in the district, including a small number waiting for the final painting, and another 12,000 were under construction; whilst nearly 15,000 further houses are covered by signed contracts, making 32,000 in all of houses; the principal reason why more houses have not been built, is, of course the acute shortage of skilled labour, and endeavours are being made to remove this difficulty.