§ 37. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Minister of Health if in view of the fact that the rate of house building since October last is 50 per cent. lower than that of the preceding 12 months, even omitting the boom month of September, 1927, he will endeavour to stimulate confidence in local authorities in the preparation of large-scale housing schemes by promising to retain the present subsidy for a period of at least two years?
§ Sir K. WOODI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to a somewhat similar question by the hon. Member for Bermondsey West (Dr. Salter) on the 10th ultimo.
§ Mr. WELLOCKIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the position is very serious in regard to the proportion of houses being built to-day as compared with twelve months ago; and does he not think that something should be done to restore the confidence of local authorities?
§ Sir K. WOODThe latest figures indicate that the rate is increasing.
§ Mr. WELLOCKAre not the latest figures 50 per cent. lower?
§ Sir K. WOODAs the hon. Member knows, the reason for that is the abnormal rate of building during certain periods of last year. I may say that the rate of building, at any rate, compares very favourably with other years with which the hon. Gentleman is familiar.
§ Mr. WELLOCKIs it not the case that from early in 192G to September, 1927, the rate of building increased from 11,000 to 18,000 per month, and from October last to May this year the total has been between 6,000 and 7,000.
§ Sir K. WOODThat may be so and there are special reasons for that. I think the rate is increasing again.