HC Deb 21 July 1953 vol 518 cc16-7W
54. Sir L. Ropner

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many two, three, four and five-apartment houses, respectively, were built by local authorities during the year ended June, 1953, in England.

Mr. Marples

Following are the figures:

concern expressed by housing authorities in the North-East Region at the action of his principal regional officer in directing housing authorities in that area to severely curtail their housing programmes; and what action he proposes to restore the curtailment of house building which is proposed;

(2) what representations he has received from the Northern Regional Committee of the National Housing and Town Planning Council, about the proposed restriction on house building in that area during the remainder of 1953; and what reply he proposes to give to the representations which have been made to him.

Mr. Marples

I am aware from the Press that there has been some misapprehension about the action taken to steady the housing programme. This should now be removed by the statement I made in reply to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) and others on 14th July.

71. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in restricting local authorities in their housebuilding programmes, he has given consideration to the needs of areas concerned; and whether he will, in particular, review the decision made in respect of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Mr. Marples

Yes. The Principal Regional Officer discussed this with representatives of the city council on 16th July and agreement has been reached upon arrangements for the phasing of their future programme.