HC Deb 17 September 1931 vol 256 cc1025-6
33. Mr. EDE

asked the Minister of Health the total amount of the loans sanctioned to local authorities for the purposes of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts; the amount so sanctioned for the urban district council of Mitcham; and will he inform the House of the proposals he has to make whereby the situation with respect to the mortgages under these Acts may be eased for those who have experienced, or are to experience as a result of Government action, a, reduction in income accompanied by an increased tax on their income for last year?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The total amount of the loans sanctioned since 1919 to local authorities for the purpose of making advances under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, together with direct advances made by the London County Council, is £47,560,750. The total amount so sanctioned for the urban district council of Mitcham is—2,109,876. No action in the direction suggested in the latter part of the question is under consideration.

Mr. EDE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to whether it will be possible for these people to pay their mortgage instalments due on 31st December and their Income Tax on 1st January, under the altered conditions?