23. Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Health what amount has actually been paid over in grants to private builders of houses on 31st May; what number of houses have been promised by private builders with the aid of the subsidy; and approximately what number of houses does the Ministry estimate will then be needed to overtake the present scarcity in housing accommodation?
§ Sir A. MONDUp to 31st May the sum of £3,123,000 has been paid in grants to private builders in respect of 14,515 houses completed in England and Wales. Proposals for the erection of 16,349 further houses involving grants amounting to £4,369,000 have been approved by local authorities subject to the Housing Bill, at present before Parliament, becoming law. I have no doubt that a considerable number of additional houses will be built by private builders under the subsidy scheme, besides those being built by the local authorities, but I cannot at present say how far the shortage will be overtaken