THE HOUSING QUESTION 
19 
had to point out that his Report could bear no such 
construction as had been placed upon it. The truth 
has a way of coming out when Government Depart 
ments differ. 
The following are some extracts from speeches of 
Ministers and supporters of the Government as to 
needs :— 
His Majesty King George V, on nth April, 1919, at 
Buckingham Palace (this speech was, of course, made 
on the advice of his Prime Minister) :— 
" I am informed that the immediate need of working-class 
houses for England and Wales alone is estimated at approximately 
500,000.” 
The Prime Minister, in the House of Commons 
21st December, 1920 :— 
“ At least 500,000 houses are needed to supply the legitimate 
demands for housing in this country.” 
Dr. Addison (Minister of Health), at Bishopsteignton, 
1st July, 1920 :— 
“ 800,000 houses are needed.” 
Dr. Macnamara, Minister of Labour (Oct. nth, 
1920, quoted in the Government official paper, 
Housing):— 
“ It has been estimated that this country required 100,000 
new houses every year. Therefore the war left us with a shortage 
of half a million houses.” 
Major (now Lord) Astor (Parliamentary Secretary 
to the Ministry of Health), on 7th April, 1919, at the 
Second Reading of the Housing Bill:—