30. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Prime Minister if he will give the latest available figures as regards the progress made under the Government's various housing schemes, showing the total number of houses finished and occupied, the number of houses in course of erection, the number of houses sanctioned but not started, and the lowest prices recently obtained for houses; what further number of houses are the Government prepared to sanction in order to complete the 500,000 declared by members of the Government to be necessary in 1919; and what further number they will sanction to replace the houses which have already been condemned by local authorities as unfit for human habitation?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir A. Mond)I have been asked to reply to this question. The total number of houses completed by local authorities and private builders under schemes of financial assistance up to the 1st January is 102,480. In addition, 3,150 other dwellings have been provided by the conversion of houses into flats or by the conversion of huts and hostels. The number of houses in course of erection is 85,892, and the number not yet started 29,778. The lowest prices approved for houses recently have been £433 for a non-parlour house with two bedrooms, £450 for a non-parlour house with three bedrooms, and £500 for a parlour house. In present circumstances the Government cannot undertake to extend financial assistance to housing schemes beyond the limits announced last Session.