44. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Health whether any increase of the present superficial floor area is contemplated in connection with the houses built under the housing scheme; will he consider the desirability of recommending an increase of the floor area to 2,000 feet, or whether, in the view of his Department, the present limit of 1,400 feet is adequate for growing families of four or five members; and whether he will consider the desirability of some encouragement being given to builders of houses of a larger floor area than 1,400 feet which can be let at an economic rent, as distinct from those which will automatically involve an additional burden upon either rates or taxes, or both?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am advised that the floor area at present allowed for State-aided housing schemes and houses erected under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act is sufficient to provide adequate accommodation for the average working-class family, and I doubt whether it would be desirable to increase the present maximum.
Colonel NEWMANIf a body of men are building their own houses under this housing scheme, and do not happen to be working-class men, why could not they be allowed the same help in regard to their costs?
§ Dr. ADDISONThere is very considerable latitude. I have often enlarged it, 1728 and am continually being pressed to make alterations here and there, but you cannot always be doing so.