§ 74. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Commissioner of Works why it is that his Department has practically ceased to build working-class houses, in view of the great shortage of this type of dwelling-house in many parts of the country: and whether he intends to recommence house-building for the working class at an early date?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Jowett)The construction of houses by my Department on behalf of certain local authorities was authorised by Section 16 of the Housing, Town Planning, Etc., Act, 1919, which has now been repealed. Under the revised proposals to be submitted by the Minister of Health, 869 the responsibility for the erection of working-class houses will rest with the local authorities.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that the magnificent organisation of the Office of Works is not going to be further utilised, in view of the housing shortage?
§ Mr. LINFIELDIs it not a fact that houses built by the right hon. Gentleman's Department have been considerably lower than others?
§ Mr. JOWETTThe answer to the last supplementary is in the affirmative. The answer to the first supplementary is that if the policy of the Government should change, and my Department be asked to build houses, we should endeavour to fulfil all requirements.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat reason is there why the right hon. Gentleman's Department should not build houses on suitable portions of Government land for ex-service men and others?
§ Mr. JOWETTThere is no reason whatever, except that they have not now the power to build houses.
§ Mr. HARDIEAre we to understand that the idea of the present Government is absolutely to destroy any organisation for direct house-building, and put it all in the hands of private enterprise through public authorities?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Minister has said that the Act is repealed.