§ 56. Mr. MOLSONasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fall in the prices of building materials and the recent fall in the interest rate on municipal loans, working-class dwellings can now be built without any Government subsidy at an economic rent within the means of the working classes?
Sir H. YOUNGIn view of the fall in building costs and rates of interest, working-class houses can be built at the present time by a number of local authorities at an all-in cost of about £350, inclusive of about £70 for land, roads and sewers, etc.; such houses could, without Exchequer subsidy or rate contribution, be let at rents of about 8s. a week (exclusive of rates).
§ Mr. MOLSONCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what hope there is that the subsidy will be done away with?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many districts 8s. constitutes one-third of the average weekly wage of the working-class, who ought not to have to pay so much in rent?
§ Mr. HICKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the cost of house building now is down as low as it has been since the War, and that this is a particularly favourable opportunity to go on with building?
§ Sir F. FREMANTLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not also agree that the cost is about double what it was before the War, and that 80 per cent. is the cost of labour?