HC Deb 12 October 1944 vol 403 cc1947-8W
Mr. Astor

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that work on the repair of bomb-damaged houses in London is often delayed through the lack of adequate preliminary surveying before workmen arrive, with the result that the right amount of material and categories of skilled workmen are not available; and will he take steps to bring into London surveyors from the provinces and from the Services.

Mr. Willink

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the difficulties under which local authorities are operating. Sir Malcolm Trustram Eve is consulting with the Chartered Surveyors' Institution and with the local authorities in regard to the assistance that might be given by surveyors in London and from elsewhere.

Mr. Douglas

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction of the people of London over the delay in repairing bomb damage; and what steps are being taken to increase the supply of labour and materials and to ensure that they are efficiently employed.

Mr. Willink

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made on 3rd October of the action the Government are taking to accelerate to the maximum the rate of repair, of which I am sending him a copy.

Short-term Housing Programmes
England and Wales
Region. Total area as estimated by local authorities. Amount of land held when programme submitted. Amount proposed to be purchased. Amount of(3) for the purchase of which loan sanctions have been issued.
(Acres) (1) (Acres) (2) (Acres) (3) (Acres) (4)
1 2,597 1,895 702 15
2 4,649 1,987 2,662 295
3 4,106 1,413 2,693 110
4 3,895 1,330 2,595 120
5 7,599 1,636 5,963 79
6 4,244 837 3,407 184
7 4,640 2,212 2,428 223
8 3,122 810 2,312 114
9 5,133 2,462 2,671 293
10 5,773 2,562 3,211 613
12 2,847 946 1,901 264
Totals … 48,605 18,060 30,545 2,310

The actual amount of land required for the 100,000 and 200,000 houses which have been indicated as the targets for the first and second year's building programme would on the basis of 10 houses to the acre be 10,000 and 20,000 acres.

Mr. Douglas

asked the Minister of Health how many houses in London which have suffered bomb damage are still incompletely repaired or entirely unrepaired; and within what period he estimates that repairs will be completed,

Mr. Willink

Practically all bomb-damaged houses which are repairable have received preliminary first-aid repairs to roofs and windows. While precise figures are not yet available, it is estimated that about 25 per cent. of the total number of damaged houses have received further repairs. It is not at present possible to frame an estimate of the period required for the completion of repairs, but I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is being made to increase our speed.