36. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Health the total number of working-class houses built since the Armistice; the number built under the various Housing Acts; and the number in rural districts?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINit is estimated that 768,047 houses have been completed in England and Wales since the Armistice —479,842 with State assistance under the Housing Acts and 288,205 without such assistance. Of the latter, 207,700 houses are of a rateable value not exceeding £26 in the provinces or £35 in the Metropolitan Police District. Approximately, 209,500 houses have been erected in rural districts during the same period—117,000 under the Housing Acts and 92,500 without subsidy; of the latter, some 79,200 are of a rateable value not exceeding £26 (£35 in the Metropolitan Police District.).
§ Mr. GARDNERAre the latter figures included in the first details?
§ Colonel DAYis it a fact that the majority of these houses have been built for sale and not to let?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIn the latter figure to which the right lion. Gentleman referred, does he include those thousands of houses that have been erected in rural areas by colliery companies?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes. The latter figure includes all houses that have been 1363 erected in rural areas. As far as the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) is concerned, I think, generally speaking, it may be concluded that the houses built by local authorities have been built to let, and that those built by private enterprise have been built for sale.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINIs it not a fact that immense progress has been made with this question during the past two years?