42. Mr. McLARENasked the Minister of Health if the terms of reference of the Committee he is setting up to report on the prices of building materials will include the prices demanded for land; and, if so, will be give instructions to the Committee to ascertain what the rateable valve of the land was before purchase?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. The position as regards the acquisition of land by local authorities is, in my opinion, already adequately safeguarded.
Mr. McLARENIn view of the fact that during the Dr. Addison housing schemes there was a distinct attempt to exact enormous prices for land for building, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it necessary that this Committee should make a full report as to the price asked for land?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. I do not know what prices may have been demanded for the land under the Addison schemes, but extortionate prices were not in fact obtained.