HC Deb 23 April 1929 vol 227 c696
44. Sir WALTER de FRECE

asked the Minister of Health the three cheapest types of artisan dwellings which have received the subsidy in the last six months; the places of erection; and the details of expenditure, including the cost of land?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend has no information as to the cheapest types which have received a subsidy in the last six months, but the lowest prices obtained in tenders for the erection of dwellings which have been accepted by local authorities during that period are: Nottingham, £217 per flat; Gateshead, £234 per flat; and Carlisle, £240 per house, excluding the cost of land and development. In Gateshead the cost of land worked out at about £8 per flat, and the cost of street and sewer works at about £40. In the other two cases the houses form part of the development of large estates, and information is not available as to the portion of total cost of land and street works properly chargeable to the individual schemes.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what in particular constitutes an artisan dwelling?

Sir K. WOOD

That, I should think, may be defined by Act of Parliament. The premises referred to here, where the cost is £217 per flat, have an area of 500 superficial feet, one living room (large), one bedroom (large), and the usual offices. Bathroom accommodation is also provided in the building.

Mr. MONTAGUE

I take it that an artisan dwelling is not necessarily a cheap dwelling?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir; I think the authorities at Nottingham would very strongly resent that description.

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