§ 58. Mr. W. Griffithsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of Manchester's urgent housing needs, and of the growing concern in that city arising from his delay in deciding which overspill sites he will approve; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SandysI am, of course, well aware of Manchester's serious housing shortage. Apart from the slum areas which are to be cleared, the city will before long run out of land for new house building within and around its boundaries. The excess population will, therefore, have to be accommodated further afield. Unfortunately Manchester Corporation has, despite many discussions over a long period, been unable to agree with the councils of the adjoining counties on enough suitable sites to match the city's house building programme.
In view of this prolonged deadlock, I am now considering what action should be taken; and I will make a further statement in due course.