HC Deb 16 July 1924 vol 176 cc355-6
44. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that co-operative societies, building societies, and other benevolent institutions have hitherto advanced large sums of money whereby housing schemes have been carried through, he will consider approaching these bodies with the suggestion that in order to encourage house building they should set an example to banks and other money-lending institutions by advancing money free of interest for the purpose of building houses to be let at low rents?

Mr. GREENWOOD

No, Sir.

Mr. HARRIS

Does the negative apply to the first part or the second part of the question?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The answer which I gave covers the whole of the question.

Mr. HARRIS

Surely the hon. Gentleman dues not return a negative to the statement that co-operative societies have lent money for assisting housing schemes.

Mr. REMER

Has the Minister made any comparison between the rates of interest charged by co-operative societies and those charged by banks and other money-lending institutions?