44. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether there has been any modification or limitation of the terms and conditions upon which financial aid is granted to local authorities under the Housing and Town Planning Acts, 1919 and 1920; and whether any curtailment of his original programme for the building of not less than 500,000 houses under these Acts is contemplated?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part of the question, I can only say at present that, having regard to the paramount necessity of limiting public expenditure, the Government are considering what further action can be taken with a view to reducing the present excessive cost of housing schemes.
Mr. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman going to limit the number of houses built, provided he can get them built at a reasonable cost?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have nothing to add at the present time to my reply.