§ 25. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, how many municipal authorities have put forward applications for housing subsidies since the House adjourned in August; and what action his Department has taken in each case?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERDuring the period referred to applications have, been received from some 170 local authorities. These applications have been reviewed in relation to the urgency of the need, special consideration being given to the populous urban centres where skilled labour is available and to the number of houses already authorised or in hand; and in 52 cases local authorities have been authorised to proceed with further houses within the limits laid down for the assisted scheme. Some 20 other authorities have decided to build without subsidy since the date mentioned by my hon. Friend.
§ 58. Mr. D. SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether the whole of the subsidies under the original housing scheme have now been allocated; what is the number of houses completed under that scheme; whether there is any avoidable delay in completion; what is the 694 lowest tender received for subsidised construction; and whether the level of economic building has now been reached?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTEROf the 176,000 houses, to which the scheme was limited, 175,400 have been definitely allocated and 546 provisionally allocated. In addition, 39,145 houses have been provided with the aid of the private builders' subsidy. On 1st November last, 145,771 houses had been completed, and I am not aware at the present time of any general avoidable delay in the completion of houses for which contracts have been let. The lowest price for a house, complete with drains, paths, fences and gas and hot water installation, is £297 10s. On the information before me, there is no reason to believe that the cost of building will not continue to fall.