§ 46. Sir F. FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health the latest average price of an unsubsidised, three-bedroomed, non-parlour house, respectively, in London, in 1291 the provinces, and in rural areas, and the economical rental in each case?
Sir H. YOUNGThere is no information that would enable me to give any average figure but the total cost of such a house as my hon. Friend describes should not exceed £400 near London or £360 in provincial districts, whether urban or rural. The economic rental, excluding rates, of such houses depends upon the actual cost, including cost of borrowing, but on the basis of a loan at 3½ per cent. for 60 years, should be approximately 8s. 3d. and 7s. 8d. per week respectively.
§ Sir F. FREMANTLEIs not the figure of £360 excessive, seeing that unsubsidised houses are being built in my village for £280; and is not the price very often down to that figure or even lower?
Sir H. YOUNGIn many cases a house of the sort to which the hon. and gallant Member refers can be constructed at less than the figure given by me. Since I cannot get an average figure—for the reasons I have mentioned—in caution, the only figure I can give is a figure which is the upward limit.