HC Deb 01 August 1923 vol 167 cc1467-8
83. Mr. EDE

asked the Minister of Health what restrictions he intends to place upon the price, whether for sale or letting, that may be charged by persons building houses with the assistance of public money under the Housing (No. 2) Bill?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The question of imposing such restrictions as the hon. Member has in mind in connection with subsidies to private persons erecting houses was very fully discussed on the consideration of the Housing Bill in this House. It was decided that no such conditions should be included in the Bill, and I do not propose to require the adoption of such conditions by local authorities.

Mr. EDE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how, unless these restrictions are imposed, it will be possible to prevent a recurrence of the scandal of houses built partly out of public funds being held up by builders charging exorbitant prices?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If there were such restrictions there might be no houses built.