52. Mr. F. HALLasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the circumstances under which the Housing Bill was withdrawn, he will state the proposals of the Government for dealing with this question; and whether a Bill dealing with the matter and providing for increased financial assistance from the Imperial Government, to meet one of the principal objections of the President of the Local Government Board, will be introduced this Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have already stated, this question has been and is receiving close consideration, but it is not possible for the Government to introduce proposals in the present Session.
Mr. F. HALLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if a Bill is introduced to increase the financial aid, whether he will give facilities for it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know what the hon. Gentleman means.
Mr. F. HALLIt is with reference to the reply made by the President of the Local Government Board that he considered £500,000 was totally inadequate.
§ Mr. RAFFANWill the Government keep in mind, in framing proposals, that there is a large body of opinion on this side which objects to doles and subsidies, and thinks that the solution of the housing problem lies in the land?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll these things will be kept in mind; but I think it would be very undesirable to make any statement on the subject at present.