§ 62. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Health whether having regard to the decrease in the number of houses completed during the year ended 30th September under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, as compared with the three previous years, he proposes to bring forward any new proposals to stimulate the provision of houses to let at rents within the capacity to pay of the working classes?
§ Mr. GREENWOODOver 51,000 houses were built under this Act in England and Wales during the year ended 30th September, 1930, and when allowance is made for the disturbing effect of housing legislation during the year, I do not regard a reduction of about 2,000 as compared with the two previous years as so substantial as to require new legislation.
§ Sir K. WOODIs not this a very black record, and is not the right hon. Gentleman, having regard to what he has said about his predecessors, really going to do something to provide these houses?
Viscountess ASTORCan the right hon. Gentleman say what has disturbed the housing situation during the last year?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI think I have given a reply to the Noble Lady in my original answer. In reply to the right hon. Gentleman, I might say that I know of no way of building houses retrospectively.