HC Deb 15 December 1927 vol 211 cc2476-7
19. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health whether a resolution passed by the Plymouth Town Council has been brought to his notice that, having regard to the vital necessity for the provision of houses, the reduction

of the subsidy should be permanently suspended; and whether the Government propose to take any action?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have not received the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. On the general question, I may point out that I have no power to suspend the operation of the Housing Acts (Revision of Contributions) Order, 1926. The reduction of the subsidy has been followed, as was anticipated, by a considerable fall in the cost of houses, and there is clearly no reason for taking the action which the hon. Member appears to suggest.

Major COLFOX

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the total abolition of the subsidy would lead to more house-building?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The policy of the Government is to bring about the total abolition of the subsidy but we think that can best be done by stages.