§ 43. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what effect the Government's policy of restricting the capital development of the nationalised industries has had on the capital to be provided for the construction of new houses and the improvement of sub-standard houses for railway workers.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe detailed application of the reductions in the capital expenditure of the British Transport Commission falls to be decided by the Commission, but I am informed that they will have no effect on housing. The Commission has in fact no statutory or other responsibility for providing houses for railway workers, but when it does provide them it is its policy wherever possible to improve them.
108W
§ 44. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to increase the provision of new housing accommodation and the improvement of existing substandard housing for railway workers in conformity with the general policy of clearance of sub-standard houses.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo, but I am informed that the Commission has under review the effect of housing difficulties upon the shortage of staff in certain areas.