HC Deb 25 February 1932 vol 262 cc547-9
46. Miss CAZALET

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the financial situation, he has issued any instructions to local authorities with regard to the erection of cheaper tenement buildings in big cities similar to those issued in Circular 1238 in regard to cheaper houses?

STATEMENT showing the average cost of the under-mentioned dwellings in contracts let, and in direct labour schemes commenced by local authorities (other than the London County Council.)
Quarter ended. Non-parlour houses. Non-parlour flats in buildings of three or more storeys.
£ £
Quarter ended March, 1931 … … 345 576
Quarter ended June, 1931 … … 331 507
Quarter ended September, 1931 … … 333 535
Quarter ended December, 1931 … … 327 617
Year ended December, 1931 … … 333 542
These costs include the costs of paths, drains and fences, but exclude the cost of land, roads, sewers and architects' fees.
47. Miss CAZALET

asked the Minister of Health whether, as a result of the recent Circular 1,238 issued by his Department to local authorities, he will state how many schemes have been submitted of the small type of house covering 760 square feet to be let at a rental of 10s. per week?

Sir H. YOUNG

I regret that precise figures are not available. Since the issue of the Circular the erection of 5,388 houses, few of which materially exceed the size named, has been approved. The

50. Sir GERALD HURST

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give any figures as to the cost of accommodation of the working classes when provided in the ordinary type of cottage or in a tenement, respectively; and whether, in view of the importance of cheaply built tenements in the large towns, he is in a position to issue any information to local authorities as to the most economical methods of building?

Sir H. YOUNG

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures for which I am asked. Proposals for the erection of tenements are carefully watched to secure the greatest possible measure of economy, but up to the present any building over three storeys in height is found to involve much heavier expenditure than is involved in the provision of equivalent accommodation in cottages. I hope to be able, as the result of inquiries now in progress, to issue some suggestions in this regard to the local authorities concerned.

Following are the figures:

rents to be charged for these houses should not generally exceed the figure mentioned.

Captain GUNSTON

Does that 10s. include rates?

Sir H. YOUNG

Yes, Sir.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that in London alone 30,000 families are living in basements, and will he do nothing to stop the building of these flats in London?

Sir H. YOUNG

If the Noble Lady had listened to previous answers, she would know that the policy is to promote the provision of accommodation at a price which is possible for the tenants.