§ 12. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what is the estimated number of houses now occupied by immigrants; where they are most densely housed; what specific problems they have created; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Sir K. JosephNo information is available to show the number of houses occupied by immigrants. Most immigrants have probably settled in places where jobs are easiest to find, such as London, the West Midlands and expanding industrial towns. Housing problems are bound to arise from any great influx of population to a town whether from abroad or from other parts of Britain. Inevitably there is greater pressure on the existing housing with the result that many of the newcomers have to share accommodation and often live in overcrowded conditions. Powers are available to local authorities under the Housing Act, 1961, to secure reasonable standards of management and equipment in houses let in lodgings or shared by several families.