§ 28. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Minister of Health the number of houses under construction or sanctioned under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively, on 1st March, 1927 and 1st March, 1928?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the statement:
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI understand that the number given by the hon. Member refers to insured persons recorded as unemployed on the 20th February last, and includes over 60,000 unskilled workers. With regard to the last part of the question, it is the policy of my Department to encourage the erection of houses in areas where there is a shortage, and the considerable fall which has taken place in the prices of houses should 1333 facilitate the carrying out of building programmes in the future.
Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities are easing up with their housing schemes, and does he not think that he ought to try and inspire them into greater activity than that in which they are indulging at the moment?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Member looks at the figures, he will see that the number of houses being constructed are on the increase.
Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that they are not on the increase, but actually on the decrease, according to a reply which he gave me only a week ago?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEDoes the reply mean that there are 60,000 skilled building operatives out of work, and if so, is the
| — | Assessable value of agricultural land for purpose of rates mentioned in column 1. | Amounts of rates estimated to have been paid by the occupiers of agricultural land. | Exchequer grants under the Agricultural Rates Acts, 1896 and 1923, in relief of rates. |
| 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. |
| Year ended 31st March, 1921. | £ | £ | £ |
| Rates to which the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, applied. | 12,368,331 | 6,000,000 | 1,323,331 |
| Rates to which sections 211 (1) (b) and 230 of the Public Health Act, 1875, applied. | 6,184,165 | 450,000 | — |
| Year ended 31st March, 1925. | |||
| Rates to which the Agricultural Rates Acts, 1896 and 1923, applied. | 6,480,792 | 3,050,000 | 4,283,593 |
| Rates to which sections 211 (1) (b) and 230 of the Public Health Act, 1875, applied. | 6,480,792 | 430,000 | — |
| The amounts entered in column 3 do not include the sums paid by occupiers of agricultural land (estimated at £350,000 in each year) in respect of rates for certain land Drainage Authorities. |
§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Government is fully aware of their the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the number of summonses for non-payment of rates and the anxiety existing in agricultural districts, he will do what he can to expedite his statement as to rates and credits in agricultural areas?
Mr. SAMUELI am unable at present to add anything to the statements previously made on these matters. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that
§ Minister now prepared to withdraw the slanders which he made two years ago with regard to the building unions and. the dilution of labour?