60. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to remove the restriction placed by the last Government on the making of grants by the Unemployed Grants Committee to local authorities for the purpose of building houses, in view of the fact that such houses no longer receive the State assistance formerly provided by the Housing Act, 1919?
§ Mr. BALDWINThis matter has been carefully considered, and the Government have decided that the extension of this system of grants to house building would tend to check private enterprise, which is showing hopeful signs of development, and so do more harm than good. In any case, such grants could have little effect in relieving unemployment in the building trade during the coming winter, and the Government consider that such relief can best be afforded by putting in hand works of repair and decoration. They are doing this in the buildings under their charge, and they trust that local authorities and private owners will do all they can in the same direction.