§ Mr. LYONSasked the Minister of Health whether any recent investigations have been made into the number and character of basement dwelling's in various parts of London; and whether he can state the conclusions reached or representations made in the matter?
Sir H. YOUNGAccording to returns obtained by the London County Council last year from the Metropolitan borough councils there were in London 20,108 underground rooms habitually used for sleeping purposes which were deemed unfit for human habitation within the meaning of Section 18 of the Housing Act, 1925. As regards the latter part of the question, Clause 71 of the Housing Bill now before this House is designed to extend the powers of the local authorities for dealing with basement dwellings.