27. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health at what price he estimates the ordinary speculative builder can now erect workmen's houses of the standard required under the Government's assisted housing schemes; and what would be the weekly rent payable, exclusive of rates, to give the speculative builder an adequate return on each house?
§ Sir A. MONDI am afraid I cannot give the hon. Member the information he asks for. The conditions under which speculative builders operate vary so considerably in different cases that any general statement would be misleading.
Mr. THOMSONIf the right hon. Gentleman has not this information, on what was his statement based that private enterprise could fulfil the housing needs that the Government had left vacant?
§ Sir A. MONDI did not say that I had no information, but that I have not got information which I could put in the shape of an answer to the question.
Mr. THOMSONCan the House have the advantage of the information the right hon. Gentleman has in his possession?