§ 43. Mr. MARRIOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury has sanctioned the offer of a guarantee to local authorities of the loss, or any portion of the loss, which the authorities may incur in carrying out a housing scheme; if so, whether any estimate has been made of the cost likely to fall upon the Treasury; and whether it is proposed to introduce a Bill to legalise the proceeding?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Treasury has concurred in principle in the proposals which have been made by the Local Government Board to local authorities as regards assistance from public funds towards housing. At the present stage of the matter it is not possible to say what charge upon the public this assistance may involve, as the progress which can be made will depend upon the available supply of labour and materials after the War and the possibility of providing the necessary finance.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the latter part of the question, whether the matter will come before the House of Commons?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, Sir; in one form or another it is certain to come before the House. I should think in the form of legislation.