HC Deb 04 February 1932 vol 261 cc242-3
37. Mr. PRICE

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed building economy proposals of the Government and municipal authorities total £55,525,875; and if he will state what proportion of this economy is due to representations made by his Department to local authorities?

Sir H. YOUNG

I have heard this figure mentioned, but do not know how it has been reached. There is no reason to think that economies on building would amount to any sum approaching this figure. I have no means of ascertaining how much reduction of building programmes is to be attributed to the Government's measures and how much to the general economic situation, but it seems to me that the latter must be by far the more weighty factor. I discussed the position with a representative deputation this morning.

Mr. PRICE

Is it not true that many local authorities which have wanted to carry out further housing have been held up by the Ministry? Is the right hon. Gentleman now in a position to give encouragement to them to proceed?

Sir H. YOUNG

No, Sir. I do not think it would be true to say that local authorities desiring to proceed under proper conditions have in any case been held up by the Ministry.