92. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the President of the Local Government Board how many local authorities his circular on housing of 28th July was sent; how many furnished the information asked for; how many have started housing schemes; how many have undertaken to do so; what is the total number of houses projected; and what is their total estimated cost?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. S. Walsh)The circular referred to was sent to 1,806 Local Authorities under the Housing Acts. Up to the 14th instant, 1,447 authorities had furnished the Returns asked for. The schemes to which the circular has reference are schemes to be undertaken after the War, and 870 authorities have either prepared, are preparing, or have expressed willingness to prepare schemes subject to substantial financial assistance being forthcoming from the State. The information furnished by those authorities in their Returns would point to the possibility of some 150,000 houses being erected by them subject to such financial assistance. No reliable estimate of the cost can at present be given.
§ Colonel YATEHas the hon. Gentleman taken any steps to provide the bricks necessary to build these 150,000 houses?