§ 25. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the problem of housing conditions in the city of Westminster is due to the high cost of building; and the cause of the high cost of building in this particular area?
§ Major COPEMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any reason why the cost of erecting houses should be materially more expensive in Westminster than in any other part of Central London, but as indicated in the reply of the 5th instant to a question by the right hon. Member for North Norfolk (Mr. Buxton), the high cost of land in Westminster materially increases the difficulty of providing housing accommodation in the city at a reasonable rent.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not of opinion that the high cost is due to rings and price-fixing associations?
§ Mr. HARRISAnd is this high cost not another example which justifies the reconsideration of our rating system?