asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the insured population of the London and Greater London area has increased since June, 1945; and by what percentage increase this compares with England and Wales.

The total insured population is ascertained only once a year, in July, but the figures for July, 1947, are not yet available. From July, 1945, to July, 1946, the number increased by 18 per cent. in the County of London, by 16 per cent. in Greater London and by 12 per cent. in England and Wales.

Is the Minister aware that this exceptional drift of insured workers to London and the Greater London area is causing increasing housing and overcrowding problems for the local authorities, and can he suggest any way by which he can encourage these insured workers to migrate to other parts of the country?

I am aware of the migration to London and other large areas. For that reason, the Government are concentrating on getting industries to locate themselves in other areas, thus not only providing work in other areas but inducing some of these people to go there.