Unoccupied Premises, West London (Conversion)

Oral Answers to Questions — Housing – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 26 Mehefin 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Joseph Sparks Mr Joseph Sparks , Acton 12:00, 26 Mehefin 1947

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to requisition large unoccupied houses and blocks of flats in West London for conversion into hostels and halfway houses for families made homeless by court orders and notices to quit and who, at the present time, are either accommodated in public assistance institutions, or dispersed amongst already overcrowded relatives and friends.

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

Local authorities are already doing this. They have adequate powers, and know my desire that they should press on with the work.

Photo of Mr Joseph Sparks Mr Joseph Sparks , Acton

Is the Minister aware of the continued distress throughout the whole of greater London as a result of families being evicted and that these families are being told by local authorities that there is no hope whatever of their being accommodated, which is causing very great distress? Will he give an assurance that his Department will place the maximum facilities at the disposal of local authorities to set up additional halfway houses and hostels for these evicted tenants?

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

We are encouraging local authorities to do so in every case which is brought to our notice. Hon. Members know that in London there is a very great difficulty about the conversion of large buildings inhabited by families, which makes great inroads into materials and labour. I am deeply conscious of the difficulties of housing in London, which, indeed, exceed those of any other part of the country.