HC Deb 22 April 1914 vol 61 cc911-2
28. Mr. ROYDS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that since the passing of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, the average annual increase in the number of houses in Great Britain has fallen by one-half, and in view of the consequent shortage of workmen's dwellings and cottages and of the urgency of the housing problem, he will, without delay, appoint an impartial Committee to inquire into the cause of this shortage and the best method of again stimulating private enterprise that has hitherto housed 97 per cent. of the population?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)

The Government are not prepared to appoint a further Committee on housing, as they consider they have already in their possession the information on this subject which such a Committee would be likely to obtain. My right hon. Friend has, however, set on foot extensive local inquiries, both in urban and rural districts, with a view to ascertaining the dimensions of the problem to be solved in each locality.

Mr. ROYDS

My question was directed to the cause of the shortage.

Mr. LEWIS

My right hon. Friend is making inquiries.

44. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the names of the urban districts in which, as the result of formal complaints under Section 10 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, or of inspections by the Board's officers, the councils had, prior to the 1st January last, been urged by the Board to build houses under Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and have not yet agreed to do so; and whether, as regards cases of formal complaints, a mandamus has been applied for in any instance; and, if so, with what result?

Mr. HERBERT LEWIS

As the answer is somewhat long, it will, with my hon. Friend's permission, be circulated with the Votes.—[See Written Answers this date.]