§ 57 and 58. Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Health (1) whether, assuming the existing schemes of housing are carried out, the general housing demand all over the country will be satisfied; how many new schemes have been sanctioned since 1st January, 1921; for how many houses these provide;
(2) whether he has yet received any information showing a decreased demand for houses in any part of the country due, not to satisfied wants, but to inability to pay the rents demanded?
§ Sir A. MONDSince the 1st January tenders for 13,699 houses have been approved, bringing the total number of houses for which tenders have been approved up to approximately 175,000. In addition, certificates have been issued for approximately 30,000 houses under the private builders' subsidy scheme. Owing to altered economic and financial circumstances, the general housing demand is undergoing review by my Department.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCan the right hon. Gentleman say which constituency at present is leading with regard to new houses?
§ Sir A. MONDI must have notice of that question.
§ 59. Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Health the estimated amount of subsidies which it is expected will be forthcoming for housing construction sanctioned or commenced this year?
§ Sir A. MONDI am not quite clear what my hon. Friend has in mind, but I presume he refers to the subsidies to private builders. If the Housing Bill at present before the House is passed into law, about £5,000,000 of the aggregate grant authorised by the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, will be available for subsidies to private builders in respect of houses sanctioned during this financial year.