§ 69. Mr. L, SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that under present contractual arrangements the average Exchequer contribution up to 1980 on houses built under the Housing Act of 1919 is 13s. a week, he has 1113 examined all possible methods of reducing this charge, which is out of proportion to present day conditions?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe possibility of reducing the charge to the Exchequer under the Housing Act of 1919 is under constant consideration.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs it not the fact that in certain cases these schemes might very well be put on the basis of an economic rent?
§ Mr. BROWNAll these points are constantly in the mind of the Minister. When I point out to my hon. and gallant Friend that the estimated charge this year in connection with such matters is £6,827,000, he will understand why.
§ Sir J. NALLIs it not a fact that in certain cases people, who can well afford to pay an economic rent, are being subsidised at the public expense?