HC Deb 05 February 1952 vol 495 cc121-2W
127. Mr. Morley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what capital expenditure will be allowed during 1952 to Southampton for the purpose of reconstructing its bombed areas.

Mr. Macmillan

The progress of reconstruction in the blitzed cities will depend largely upon the availability of steel. Steel is being made available for all projects actually in progress in Southampton.

129. Mr. Foot

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total figure of licences for new projects for the reconstruction programme of bombed towns issued in the years 1950 and 1951; and what was the total estimated cost of these projects; and whether he will now make a statement on the number of such licences with the cost of the projects involved to be issued in 1952.

Mr. Macmillan

In 1950 and 1951, 136 licences were granted for building work, costing approximately £8,825,000, of which some £6 million was completed by the end of last year. In addition, 8 projects costing £538,075, part of the 1951 programme, have been licensed this year. Whether further new projects can be licensed later in the year must depend primarily on the steel position.

130. Mr. Foot

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what consultations he has had with the local authorities concerned about the amount of steel which will be available for reconstruction programmes in bombed towns during 1952.

Mr. Macmillan

The allocation of steel for blitzed city reconstruction was decided by the Government in the light of the demands upon the total amount of steel available. It was fully recognised that the allocation fell far short of the cities' needs, but this was inevitable in view of the general steel situation.

131. Mr. Foot

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total figure of licences for new projects for the reconstruction programme of the City of the Plymouth issued in the years 1950 and 1951; what was the total estimated cost of these projects; and whether he will now make a statement on the number of such licences with the cost of the projects involved to be issued in 1952 for the same city.

Mr. Macmillan

In 1950 and 1951, 28 licences were granted for building work in Plymouth costing approximately £1,456,000, part of which falls in 1952. No new licences have been issued in 1952. Whether further new projects can be licensed later in the year must depend primarily on the steel position. Priority should, in my view, be given to finishing what is in hand.