HC Deb 05 June 1918 vol 106 cc1578-9
81. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to a conference of representatives of Lancashire and Yorkshire municipal authorities recently held in Manchester, at which a resolution was passed to the effect that the terms offered by the Local Government Board were not sufficiently attractive to induce local authorities to build houses in such numbers as were necessary to meet the great shortage, and that, unless better terms were offered, the housing needs of the country were not likely to be adequately provided for; and what steps he proposes to take?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)

Newspaper reports have been received, but no official communication has reàched me. I cannot believe that the resolution alluded to really represents the considered policy of the people of Lancashire and Yorkshire, who are most concerned in securing an adequate supply of a good type of working-class dwellings after the War. I have stated, on more than one occasion, that I regard the terms offered by the Government as not merely attractive, but generous, and, whilst it is too early to make any general statement on the subject, I am glad to learn from various sources that many local authorities are taking the same view.

Major WOOD

Are we to understand that the terms originally suggested are to be considered final?

Mr. FISHER

I have no reason to think that the Government are likely to offer any more generous terms, and they are more generous than have ever been offered at any time.

Lord H. CAVENDISH - BENTINCK

Have the terms embodied in the Circular ever been submitted to Parliament and obtained the sanction of Parliament?

Mr. FISHER

There was an opportunity to discuss the subject on the Vote for the Local Government Board, and the opportunity was not taken. There have been many opportunities of discussion.

Mr. RAFFAN

Have a number of resolutions been received from borough councils, and particularly from Lancashire, indicating that the housing policy would be easier if they had an opportunity of dealing with land values?

Mr. FISHER

I have not received one such resolution.