§ Mr. Rees-Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to deal with the housing shortage in urban areas of British Malaya.
Mr. Creech JonesAdequate building is hindered by lack of materials and high costs, but a Committee has been appointed in the Malayan Union to examine and report as soon as possible on the nature and extent of the housing problem and, among other measures for its solution, will consider urgently a scheme for a model housing estate in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the Public Works Department have already made considerable progress in building several hundred houses for Government officers of all 383W ranks and races. For reasons of finance and labour supply the Government of Singapore cannot immediately resume the large scale prewar housing programme, but some minor works are planned for the coming financial year. The programme of releasing houses from requisition is being expedited as alternative temporary accommodation is provided.