§ 31. Mr. LANE-FOXasked what number of houses are now completed under the Government housing scheme; and what approximate number are in course of construction?
§ Sir T. WALTERSThe Returns up to Saturday last show that local authorities and public utility societies in England and Wales have submitted detailed plans for 491 56,168 houses, of which 43,299 have been approved. These include a large number of types which will be repeated as schemes develop. Detailed information as to the number of houses which have been completed and are fit for immediate occupation, is not available, but tenders have been actually approved for 9,500 houses.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to give a return of the number of houses actually completed?
§ Sir T. WALTERSThat would involve an inquiry from all the local authorities who have actually commenced building.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXIs it not a fact that the Minister is in constant communication with all these districts and he can get this information in a very short time?
§ Sir T. WALTERSI will make inquiries.
§ Major E. WOODIs it not a fact that only two houses have actually been completed, and if that is so it would not take long to find out?
§ Sir T. WALTERSThat is not correct.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOAREHow does the right hon. Gentleman know it is not correct if he has not received a return of the number of houses completed and building?
§ Sir T. WALTERSI happen to know it is not correct because my own society has already completed twelve.
§ 32. Major HILLSasked the Minister of Health whether he has seen a notice in the Press to the effect that on 6th November the mayor of a Midland city opened the first two houses completed under the Housing Act; whether this statement is true; if not, how many houses were completed by 6th November; and what is the exact number completed to date?
§ Sir T. WALTERSI have seen the notice to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, but the statement that the houses mentioned were the first completed is not correct. No detailed information as to the number of houses actually finished for occupation, is available.
§ Major HILLSCan the Leader of the House now say when the House will be given an opportunity of discussing this matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I shall make some reference to that in the announcement of business for next week.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSIn view of the fact that housing questions are only reached on one day in the week, and it is an absolute waste of time to ask supplementary questions of a Minister who is not responsible for the answer, will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Minister of Health to attend on the day his questions are reached?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWFrom my own observation, I do not think that is a complaint that can be directed against the Minister of Health. To-day I believe he is prevented being present by an engagement which is, in fact, connected with the housing question.