§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the new buildings for the accommodation of persons born in Gibraltar and evacuated during the war have now been completed; whether there are still demands for more housing accommodation; and what has been the cost to date to his Department of this scheme.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the two major permanent housing schemes started by the Gibraltar Government after the war. The first and larger of these schemes is complete, but 41 of the 472 flats built were damaged by the "Bedenham" explosion on 27th April and cannot be used until repairs have been made Under the second scheme 83 flats have been finished and work is proceeding on 68 more.
With regard to the second part of the Question, it is estimated that some 1,500 persons are still living in overcrowded conditions and that the need of 350 of these is urgent. With regard to the last 218W part of the Question, the cost of building has been met mainly from local resources, but His Majesty's Government have made, under the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts, a free grant of £100,000 and an interest free loan of £250,000 towards the cost of the two schemes.