§ 43. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health how many houses 353 were in course of erection on 1st May, 1927, and on 1st November, 1927, under the various post-War Housing Acts?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe total number of houses in course of erection under the Acts of 1919, 1923 and 1924 on the 1st May, 1927, was 117,658. Particulars relating to the 1st November, 1927, are not yet available, but the corresponding number at the 1st October, 1927, was 52,929.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why there are only half the number of houses in course of erection in October as compared with May of this year?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, I think it is very obvious why that is so, because in the month of September, which was the last month before the reduction of the subsidy took place, there was an unprecedented effort made to get as many houses as possible completed. During that month the number completed was about 52,000. The highest number completed in a single month before that had been about 18,000. It is very clear that in October, houses were completed which in the normal course of events would have been under construction in November and December.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not plain from the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given, that his policy of changing the subsidy has put 50 per cent. of building operatives out of unemployment?