§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into the shortage of working-class houses which exists in Newcastle resulting in families of six to 10 persons having to live in homes of one room in numerous cases; whether he will sympathetically consider what steps can be taken to deal with this question without delay; and whether he will consider the relaxation of the existing building regulations in such cases until the shortage of houses is overcome?
Sir H. YOUNGThe corporation of Newcastle, who have already completed 5,483 houses, have also submitted orders made under the Housing Act, 1930, involving the rehousing of 2,386 persons, and I do not think the circumstances call for any such intervention on my part as my hon. Friend suggests. I am not aware that the existing building by-laws, which have been brought up to date in Newcastle as elsewhere, have any adverse effect on house production.