43. Lieut.-Colonel WALTER GUINNESSasked the Minister of Health upon what factors the Grant of £150 to private builders is based; and what is the number of houses estimated to be built as a result of it?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe subsidy proposed under the new Housing Bill was fixed after consultation with persons having a close knowledge of the building trade. It is hoped that approximately 100,000 houses will be built under the scheme.
§ Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman explain whether the houses will be built roughly on the same lines as those built by the municipalities, and will they produce the same rent; and, if so, will he explain why the sum of £150 is considered sufficient, in view of the fact 1307 that the loss per house under the municipal scheme has been admitted to be much greater?
§ Dr. ADDISONThis is a question which was very much handled in the Debate on the Bill. I cannot be expected to answer all these details by question and answer.
§ Mr. SHORTCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether the representatives of the workmen's organisations were consulted, and, if so, who?
§ Dr. ADDISONWith reference to the subsidy, as I explained the other night, the Joint Industrial Council was not consulted on the question of the subsidy.