§ 42. Mr. Hobdenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what areas have reached a surplus in housing; and if he will allocate elsewhere any surplus allocations not being taken up by local authorities.
§ Mr. GreenwoodIn a number of places outside London and the industrial conurbations the combined stock of publicly and privately owned houses already slightly exceeds the number of households, but I believe that a margin of some 5 per cent. is required in each area for the ordinary working of the housing market, and to allow for mobility. Furthermore much of the housing stock is obsolescent or unfit. Where an authority does not take up its allocation, I reallocate the surplus whenever possible.