§ 56. Mr. ROYDSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that on the occasion of the periodical revaluation in 1903–4 increases of 41,549 in cottages and small houses and 85,797 in higher-class houses were shown as against increases in 1910–11 of 10,651 cottages and small houses and 25,506 higher-class houses, a difference of 91,189 houses, and having regard to the urgency of the housing problem, whether he will cause further inquiries to be made into the subject?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe hon. Member must know that the increases of 1903–4 were the highest on record. It is, therefore, not fair to cite them for purposes of comparison. So far as regards the provision of small houses and tenements—in regard to which the housing problem mainly exists—the figures for 1911–12, so far as they are available, point to the normal rate of increase being attained in that year, and I do not think therefore that any further inquiry is called for at present.
§ Mr. ROYDSIs not the right hon. Gentleman now convinced that the short age of cottages and small houses is mainly attributable to the passing—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise upon this question.