HC Deb 02 August 1926 vol 198 cc2772-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, " That this House do now adjourn."— [Commander Eyres Monsell.]

Captain BENN

May I ask whether, on the Bill that we are to discuss to-morrow—the Rural Housing Bill—it is the intention of the Minister of Health to make a statement about the subsidy for urban houses after the 1st October?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

No., Sir, I do not think that it would be possible to make such a statement on the Bill to be discussed to-morrow, which deals exclusively with rural housing. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman would put down a question.

Captain BENN

if I may be allowed to press the matter, it was understood that the Minister of Health would make a statement on this important question of the continuation of the housing subsidy before the House rose for the summer holidays, and I would urge that it should be made before the House rises.

Sir K. WOOD

I doubt if it will be possible to make such a statement before the House adjourns. As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, it has been repeatedly stated in this House that the matter of the subsidy has to come under review in October, and my right hon. Friend desires, if possible, to make some statement with regard to the . future. Whether that will be possible or not I should not care to say to-night, but I think, that if the hon. and gallant Gentleman would put a question down for Wednesday, that, perhaps, would be the best course.

Sir JOSEPH NALL

Is it not the case that the Minister of Health has told a deputation of Members of this House that he hopes to make some announcement before the House rises? Obviously, it would be out of order on the Bill that is to come before the House to-morrow.

Sir K. WOOD

I have said that my right hon. Friend would desire, if possible, to do so, but I pointed out to my hon. Friend the other day the difficulty in which we are placed by the terms of the Statute. Obviously, it is a matter upon which a question addressed to us could be put down for Wednesday, or, no doubt as a matter of urgency, a question could be handed in to-morrow.

Question, "That this House do now adjourn," put, and agreed to.

Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-eight Minutes before Eleven o'clock.