109. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Health whether he has received resolutions urging that houses erected by a public authority should in all cases be let at a fair economic rent; that the tenants of such houses should have the option of purchase at fair prices with payments by instalments; and that the allocation of the houses should be by ballot, subject to a maximum income limit, regard being had to character, size of family, and war service of the applicant; and is he prepared to make Regulations to give effect to these recommendations?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am requiring local authorities to obtain the best rents possible, regard being had to all the circumstances, but it is clearly impossible to obtain full economic rents on the present cost of building. I am anxious that the undoubted demand for individual ownership should be fully met and encouraged, and I have invited every local authority to prepare a scheme for house purchase and to take steps to make the facilities offered widely known in their district. A model scheme for purchase by instalments is in preparation. The selection of tenants is a matter for the local authorities, and I have already recommended them to bear in mind the special claims of ex-service men and of those having large families, and I believe that this is being done generally.