HC Deb 26 October 1920 vol 133 cc1539-40
61. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the liabilities, both capital and annual, that will be assumed by the State in connection with the Government housing scheme?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The State's liability for housing depends on the cost of building, the number of houses built by local authorities public utility societies and private builders (under subsidy arrangements) respectively, the rent charged, and other uncertain factors. I am, therefore, not able at present to give any estimate of the liability incurred, but it will undoubtedly be very heavy.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a very general impression abroad that the finance of the Government housing scheme is thoroughly unsound?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would not undertake to say how many accurate and inaccurate general impressions are abroad.

Mr. LAMBERT

Can my right hon. Friend say, if houses are to cost £1,000 or £1,200 to build, how they are going to be let at anything like an economic rental to any workman in the land?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Would it not be more useful if my right hon. Friend, who obviously has a better scheme in his mind, would communicate it to the Government?