HC Deb 18 November 1919 vol 121 cc351-3
45. Mr. ATKEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dissatisfac- tion throughout the country owing to the difficulties and delays incidental to the provision of houses under the Housing Act, and, in particular, that many authorities are unable to raise the necessary capital and do not approve of subsidising tenants of houses costing from £800 to £l,000 each, either from local or national taxation; and will he give the House of Commons an early opportunity of discussing the present situation in order to ascertain whether amending legislation should be introduced with the object of providing the accommodation so urgently needed?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

I will consider the suggestion of the hon. Member that an opportunity should be given to the House to discuss the present position of the housing scheme. I am aware that the provision of houses on an unprecedented scale at the present time is attended by numerous difficulties. Many of these difficulties have already been overcome, and I am glad to say that many of the local authorities are making substantial progress in the carrying out of schemes. The question whether further measures can be taken to accelerate the provision of housing accommodation is receiving consideration.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulty in regard to housing is profiteering in building material, and will he take some stops to put cement, bricks and building essentials at prices which will enable houses to be built more economically?

Mr. BONARLAW

That is one of the difficulties, but there are others connected with labour. The Government are now considering whether or not it is possible to take any further steps to secure the more expeditious building of these houses.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Considering the immense urgency of this question, particularly in the rural districts, where the situation is really tragic, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the House to sit on Friday?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In reply to my Noble Friend's question, as I have already stated, the Government are now considering what further steps should be taken. We should be glad to have a discussion, but the Government are not in a position yet to announce their steps, and surely under the circumstances, it would be better to wait until the Government can state what further steps can be taken.

Lord R. CECIL

Can we have a discussion reasonably soon, as the matter is very urgent? [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]

Mr. BONAR LAW

I quite realise that, and I notice that the whole House does. I do not know whether it will be possible next week, but if it be, I will arrange a day for it.

Mr. HOHLER

Has the Minister of Health issued Regulations for enabling these people to obtain materials for that purpose under the Act dealing with these matters?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think my hon. and learned Friend expects me to reply to that question, and he had better put it to the Minister of Health.

Colonel ASHLEY

Are the Government considering any means whereby the help of private individuals can be enlisted, in view of the fact that private individuals built all the houses in the past?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is precisely the form to which the consideration of the Government is now being given.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Does that mean the repeal of a portion of the 1909–10 Finance Act, which is undoubtedly preventing building by private means?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My hon. Friend knows that a Committee is sitting on that question.

Mr. O'GRADY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that certain Government Departments have considerable supplies of bricks, cement and timber, and can the Government throw that upon tie market?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is being done and that is within our power.