§ 43. Mr. McGOVERNasked the Minister of Health when legislation will be introduced for the extension of rent control to decontrolled houses; and whether in such legislation he will consider provisions for rent reduction commensurate with the reduction in wages and purchasing power of the working class?
Sir H. YOUNGI am not yet in a position to add anything to the statement made by the Lord President of the Council on the 2nd June last regarding the proposed legislation to amend to Rent Restrictions Acts.
§ Mr. McGOVERNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 3,000 houses are being decontrolled each month, and that the rent of these houses are going up as wages and unemployment allowances are going down; and do the Government seriously intend to tackle this question at the earliest moment in view of the promises repeatedly to deal with it?
Sir H. YOUNGI am well aware of the problem to which the hon. Member refers, and of the necessity for attention to the problem and for action of the sort that has already been indicated. I do not think, as a matter of fact, that the figures are accurate.
§ Mr. MAXTONWhy is it that the Cabinet, after over 12 months, are unable to come to a common decision on this
| STATEMENT OF PRICES as shown in a leading technical journal of certain Building Materials in October, 1920, and October, 1932. | |||||||||
| Material. | Description. | Unit. | Price, 22nd October, 1920. | Price 21st October, 1932. | |||||
| £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | ||||
| Bricks | … | Best stock | 1,000 | 4 | 17 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Flettons | 1,000 | 3 | 14 | 6 | 2 | 11 | 3 | ||
| Cement | … | Portland | Ton | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 9 |
| Lime | … | Greystone | Ton | 3 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 9 |
| Timber | … | Good building deal, 2½" x 7". | Standard | 47 | 10 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Flooring, 1" plain edge | Square | 2 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Slates | … | 20" x 10" | 1,000 of 1,200 | 36 | 10 | 0 | 20 | 2 | 6 |
| Tiles | … | Best machine-made Broseley. | 1,000 | 6 | 15 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 0 |
| Lead | … | Sheet | Ton | 48 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| White Lead Paint | … | Best brands | Ton | 110 | 15 | 0 | 65 | 0 | 0 |
| Glass | … | 15 oz. sheet | Per foot | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2¾ |
| Board of Trade index figure for wholesale prices, taking the price for 1913 as 100. | September, 1920. 311.4 | September, 1932. 102.1 |