§ 80. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will make a statement as to the progress made in the Borough of Wandsworth in dealing with the problem of the families living in the large number of requisitioned houses in that Borough; and, in view of the approaching end of requisitioning powers, what steps he has taken to get his advice about the purchase of a large proportion of these houses acted upon.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe Wandsworth Borough Council has made substantial progress in the derequisitioning of dwellings held by it for housing purposes. Between 6th June, 1955, and 30th September, 1958, the number of such dwellings was reduced from 5,353 to 1,694. The Council is aware of my views on the need to lease or acquire properties as a means of discharging its responsibility to secure the derequisitioning of these remaining houses by 31st March, 1960. I understand that the Council's immediate policy is to deal first with the special problem of older people, and that action is being taken to seek to buy by agreement a number of requisitioned dwellings occupied by old-age pensioners. I want to see the Council press on with acquisition in appropriate cases.