§ 80. Lord EUSTACE PERCYasked the Minister of Health what were the average prices of parlour and non-parlour houses, respectively, included in contracts let by local authorities during the month of January; and what were the corresponding average prices for October, November, and December, respectively?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe average prices of non-parlour and parlour houses included in contracts let and reported by local authorities during the month of January, 1924, were £384 and £445 respectively. These prices are exclusive of the cost of land, roads and sewers. The corresponding averages for the three previous months were:
Non-parlour. Parlour. £ £ October, 1923 358 416 November, 1923 387 435 December, 1923 412 465
§ Lord E. PERCYCan the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why the cost of the parlour houses seem to have gone up disproportionately to the case of the non-parlour houses?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYGlancing at the figures, the prices of all the houses seem to have gone up. I cannot give any explanation for the increase in price that is outside the knowledge of hon. Members, or with regard to the influences that operate in these things.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs public opinion not sufficient to insure the prices being corrected? What has the Minister of Health to say to that in view of the fact that a former Minister of Health insisted that this would be the case?