§ 75. Mr. Goughasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the rate of house building in Crawley has fallen behind the requirements of industry in that town; what steps are being taken to remedy this; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. BrookeIn Crawley, as in some other places, demands for labour have been heavy recently. At the same time, since the town is nearing completion, the rate of house building there must slow down. The number of school leavers is, however, increasing every year, and it is most important that employers should make full use of their services.
I am about to authorise the Development Corporation to build another 270 houses, in addition to the 400 already being built. The urban district council will also be building about 100 houses next year, and the Corporation will shortly be discussing its further programme with the council. Private enterprise builders have land sufficient for about 400 houses. I believe that all reasonable requirements over the next three years will thus be met, but the programme will be kept under close review.