54. Mr. ERNEST WINTERTONasked the Minister of Health whether, in order to reduce the present housing shortage, he is prepared to consider the question of extending the present housing subsidy to owners of small plots of ground in order to enable them to build houses thereon for their own occupation?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe suggestion made by my hon. Friend is one which would require legislation, and I am afraid that I cannot see my way to introduce such legislation.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSCould not the right hon. Gentleman find time to tack it on to his present Housing Bill?
§ 55. Mr. RAMSBOTHAMasked the Minister of Health the number of houses in respect of whose construction the subsidy has been granted during the last 12 months, and the corresponding total for the previous 12 months?
§ Mr. GREENWOODDuring the 12 months ended 31st May, 1930, the number of completed houses ranking for subsidy was 99,124. The corresponding number during the previous 12 months was 107,439. The hon. Member is, of course, aware that subsidy under the Act of 1923 was payable only in respect of houses completed during the first four months of the first-named period.
§ Mr. ALBERYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great extent to which housing is being held up owing to the delay in producing his scheme?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI hope there will be no delay in completing the present Housing Bill. Indeed, we are continuing the discussion upon it this afternoon.
§ Sir K. WOODWhy was there nine months' delay in introducing it?
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman promised this reduction in his election address?