HC Deb 14 March 1923 vol 161 c1540
43. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the estimated anticipated average age of the houses built under the subsidy scheme of the late Government?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is the practice of my Department to allow a period not exceeding 60 years for the repayment of loans by local authorities for the erection of houses under the Housing Acts by ordinary methods of construction, and it may be taken that this period represents a conservative estimate of the life of the houses.

Mr. H. H. SPENCER

What is the estimated loss on each house?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That does not seem to arise out of the question.

Mr. HARDIE

Is the Minister aware that under the Rutherglen housing scheme a term of 60 years is given, and the average payment of interest on that becomes £60 per year? How does the Minister think working people can pay the interest, apart altogether from the rent?

Sir B. FALLE

If these houses do not last 60 years, who will be responsible?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is a hypothetical question.

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