§ 82. Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the continued diminution in the number of dwellings available for the working classes in urban areas, and in order to encourage local authorities to meet the demands for such dwellings, he can see his way to grant an extension of the time allowed for the repayment of loans taken up by local authorities to meet the cost of making and paving private streets from seven years to twenty years?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI cannot accept the statement in the question that the number of working class houses in urban areas is diminishing. Where local authorities are making streets in connection with the provision of houses by them the term usually allowed for repayment is twenty years. Where the cost of making up the streets is to be repaid by the frontagers a period of seven years has hitherto been usually allowed. But in future, if in any case it can be shown that a longer period is desirable on account of the financial position of the frontagers, or for other reasons, and that the local authority is willing to allow the frontagers a longer period, the Board will be prepared to consider an extension of the time for repayment of the loan.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think that the time has now come when the regulations for the repayment of loans and the existing funds upon them should be made uniform throughout the country, and 1586 whether he would not agree to the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the whole question?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI should like an opportunity of considering the matter.