HC Deb 23 April 1929 vol 227 cc694-5
35. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses under construction and the number authorised but not started under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924 respectively on 1st April?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

At 1st April, 1929, the position was as follows:

Under construction:
Houses.
1923 Act 28,359
1924 Act 27,628
Authorised but not started:
1923 Act 57,229
1924 Act 32,449

Mr. MONTAGUE

Do those figures include steel houses?

Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONE

As all these houses are being built under pre-1925 Acts, how does the Conservative party justify the figure of 800,000 houses?

36. Sir J. POWER

asked the Minister of Health the number of assisted houses completed during the three months ended 31st March, 1929; and if he can furnish any estimate of the extent to which building was retarded by the severe frost during the quarter in question?

Sir K. WOOD

The number of houses completed in the quarter ended 31st March, 1929, was 20,225. Building was undoubtedly retarded by the severe frost experienced during this period, but I am afraid it is not practicable to estimate any reliable figure to express this quantitatively.

Mr. TAYLOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman give sympathetic consideration where the building has been delayed on this account, and will he consider the advisibility of extending the date?

Sir K. WOOD

That is another matter altogether.