§ 27. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the reduction in the number of houses under construction in February, 1928, as compared with the same date in 1927; and, if so, have any steps been taken to speed up the building of working-class houses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that fewer houses were under construction on the 1st ultimo as compared with the 1st February, 1927. The rate of house construction last year was abnormally high, but I have no grounds for supposing that normal progress will not continue to be made in areas where houses are needed.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHow can the right hon. Gentleman justify his answer in view of the permission which has been granted for new houses to be erected, which are much less than was the case last year?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not the fact that building has pretty well slowed down all over the country as a result of the Government's action last year?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt has slowed down, but I would not say that it is the result of the Government's action.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman feel that the housing problem has so far been solved that action should be taken to mitigate the building of houses?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for argument in debate.