HC Deb 14 June 1928 vol 218 cc1151-3
24. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the publication from time to time of housing costs in different parts of the country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Information is published from time to time of the general average prices of houses. I am of opinion, however, that the publication of prices in respect of individual districts

labour, supply the information asked for in the last two parts of the question.

Mr. MALONE

Is the Noble Lord satisfied that adequate provision is being made for infants?

Lord E. PERCY

Yes, certainly.

Following are the figures:

would be misleading in view of the many variable factors, such as size of house, building costs in different districts, nature of site, and standards of construction and amenity.

Mr. WELLOCK

Is it not the case that the differences in price under similar conditions are so plain that publication would enable the public to get at the causes of the differences?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not at all sure that publication would have a good effect on prices.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the discrepancy in the estimates frequently made by officials of local authorities and the tenders which have been put in by outside contractors, and has he made any inquiry to see whether the discrepancy is due to some collusion in tendering between outside contractors?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My attention has not been called to it.

Captain GARRO-JONES

If I bring to the right hon. Gentleman's attention certain cases where the discrepancy exists, will he make some effective inquiry to see if the evil cannot be overcome?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will certainly consider any representations the hon. and gallant Gentleman likes to make.

Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSON

Is it not a fact that where direct labour is employed by local authorities a large amount of preparatory clerical work which ought to be charged to the cost of building is charged to general account?