§ 39. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the Bill introduced by the hon. Member for the Newport Division of Salop, in which it is proposed to lend money at an artificially low rate of interest to landlords to build cottages for agricultural labourers; whether the Treasury have considered this or similar proposals; and whether they have recommended that such proposals would only result in keeping down the wages of the labourers, thus enabling the tenant farmers to pay higher rents?
§ Mr. MASTERMANMy attention has been called to the Bill referred to. The Treasury are aware of the objections of the character described in the last part of the question.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMWhat are the objections referred to? Is it not in the interest of workmen that they should be able to get cheap houses?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot discuss the economic question of the effect on wages of giving houses below cost price.