§ 41. Mr. W. THORNEasked 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. ADDISONAt 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. BILLINGWill the Government guarantee these loans on behalf of the municipal authorities?