HC Deb 24 March 1920 vol 127 c397
41. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a number of municipalities are adopting all kinds of schemes with a view to raising money to build houses within their own localities; if he is aware that the Borough of West Ham require £350,000 to build 350 houses; if he can state what local authorities have been successful in raising money for housing schemes; and if he is in a position to state, in the event of local authorities being unable to borrow the money they require, what the Government intend doing in the matter?.

Dr. ADDISON

At my request local authorities all over the country are now beginning a campaign for raising loans for housing purposes. All authorities with a rateable value over £200,000 will be required to borrow for themselves the money they require. They have, in the great bulk of cases, been successful so far, and I hope that the special efforts they are now making will enable them to obtain the further money wanted. Authorities with a rateable value under £200,000 will be able to look to the Public Loans Board, so far as they cannot obtain loans otherwise.

Mr. BILLING

Will the Government guarantee these loans on behalf of the municipal authorities?