§ Mr. WALTER BAKER (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, as a result of the inclement weather during the past summer, the Bristol City Council has been unable to complete its programme of houses which it was hoped would be entitled to the full subsidy; and whether, having regard to the many representations which he has received from local authorities he will consider the necessary steps whereby an extension of time may be granted to enable the houses in process of construction to receive the full subsidy?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has received a communication from the Bristol Town Council about this matter. I may point out that the number of houses completed by local authorities during the past summer was substantially in excess of the number completed during the previous summer. The number of houses certified by all local authorities in England and Wales as completed by them during the three months ended September, 1927, was 51,730., as compared with 19,660 in the corresponding period in 1926. The total number of all assisted houses certified as completed in the month of September last reached the unprecedented figure of 52,000. As regards Bristol, the number of houses completed by the town council during the three months ended September last was 501, whilst the figure for the corresponding three months in 1926 was 323. My right hon. Friend has no power to grant any extension of time and he would clearly not be justified in proposing any amendment of the law for this purpose.
§ Mr. PALINGAre we to take it that that will apply to all authorities who may not have completed their contracts in time.
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir.