§ 76. Mr. HOUFTONasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that many persons of the working class prefer the parlour type of house (especially those who have large families), he can see his way clear to give the same amount of subsidy on this type of house that he has promised on houses of the non-parlour type?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. The proposed principle of the subsidy is that it should be given only for the small type of house which has not been built in any considerable numbers in the last few years, and which is the least attractive proposition to private enterprise.
§ Mr. HOUFTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difference in cost to-day between a non-parlour and a parlour house is not more than £40, and why should they not have the same subsidy?
§ Mr. CLYNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a subsidy within these limits will give rise to very great dissatisfaction, and will in no sense be a contribution to the solution of the housing problem?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, I cannot accept that at all. It will be a contribution; I do not say it will be a solution of the housing problem.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it definitely decided not to build houses fit for heroes to live in?
§ Mr. LANSBURYDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that a subsidy should only be given for the building of houses where only quite tiny families can be accommodated, and does he think it quite the right thing that a home for a working-class family should not have within it one room where the mother or the father can just get away from their children? Would the right hon. Gentleman, or anybody else on the other side, like to live in such a house?
§ Mr. LANSBURYYes, but they provide you and me with houses.