HC Deb 10 October 1912 vol 42 cc519-20
55. Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a speech made by the Paymaster-General, Lord Stracie, at Sherborne, last month, in which he advocated the adoption in England of the system of State Grants towards housing schemes which has been established in Ireland under the Labourers' Acts; whether Lord Stracie was speaking on behalf of the Government, and if State aid for housing is now the policy of the Government; and, if so, whether he will explain why the Government opposed similar proposals which were made in the Housing Bill earlier in the Session?

The PRIME MINISTER

My attention has not been drawn otherwise than by this question to the speech referred to. I will communicate with Lord Stracie on the subject.

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Will the Prime Minister answer the second part of my question, namely, whether State aid for housing is now the policy of the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have nothing to add to the answer I have already given.