63. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in view of the fact that there are now over 16,000 people on the housing list of Portsmouth, whereas there were only 13,000 in 1950, he will give every facility for housebuilding in this city.
§ Mr. SandysI have recently authorised a further instalment of houses to be built for Portsmouth. I will issue further authorisations later in the year if this should appear justified by the progress made and the resources available.
67. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to give an assurance that he will delay approving a starting date for major slum-clearance schemes in Portsmouth until more adequate facilities are available for 157W housing those who are now living in overcrowded conditions in fit houses.
§ Mr. SandysI could not support my hon. Friend's suggestion that I should seek to hold back the city council from tackling its slum clearance problem.